more, most, the most, best, the best

[dilodi83]

Could you explain me the different meaning of these sentences and how or when to use these words in this particular context?

1) Which of these two pictures did you like more?

2) Which movies did you like the most/ most? (what's the difference with the article "the" and without the article "the"?)

3) Which movies did you like the best/best? (are there any differences between "the best" and just "best"?)

Can I use "the best" and "the most" and "best" and "most" indifferently?

Thanks in advance for your explanation.

[thod00]

Can I use "the best" and "the most" and "best" and "most" indifferently?

Nope. Lets suppose you were considering what color to make a soldiers uniform. Red would make him easy to spot, but khaki makes it difficult. So you could say khaki is the best, but for a mountaineer red would be best, since he wants to be seen. To use most you would have to add a qualifier, such as most visible.

[Charlie Bernstein]

Could you explain me the different meaning of these sentences and how or when to use these words in this particular context?

1) Which of these two pictures did you like more? This compares two movies.

2) Which movies did you like the most/ most? (what's the difference with the article "the" and without the article "the"?) This compares more than two movies. "Most" and "the most" mean the same thing.

3) Which movies did you like the best/best? (are there any differences between "the best" and just "best"?) This means the same as example 2. "Best" and "the best" mean the same thing.

Can I use "the best" and "the most" and "best" and "most" indifferently?

No, but you can use them interchangeably. "Indifferent to" means "uncaring about" or "not concerned with": She was indifferent to the hunger of the workers' children.

Thanks in advance for your explanation.

Better, more, worse, less, bigger, and smaller are called comparatives: they compare only two things: He was the bigger of the twins. This storm was worse than the last one.

Best, most, worst, least, biggest, and smallest are called superlatives: they compare more than two things: It's the tallest tree in the forest. It's the Beatles' best song.


[I edit copy and have tutored college writing.]

[dilodi83]

Better, more, worse, less, bigger, and smaller are called comparatives: they compare only two things: He was the bigger of the twins. This storm was worse than the last one.

Best, most, worst, least, biggest, and smallest are called superlatives: they compare more than two things: It's the tallest tree in the forest. It's the Beatles' best song.


[I edit copy and have tutored college writing.]

Thanks very much! You've been very clear!