[Grammar] British English: Mangoes are (the) most expensive in early summer, ...

[sitifan]

1. *He's the nicest when he's with children.
2. He's nicest when he's with children.
3. *She works the hardest when she's doing something for her family.
4. She works hardest when she's doing something for her family.
(Practical English Usage, Michael Swan)

According to Michael Swan, #1 and #3 are not acceptable in British English.

The sentences below are all acceptable in American English. Are they all acceptable in British English?

5. Mangoes are the most expensive in early summer, when they first come out.
6. Mangoes are most expensive in early summer, when they first come out.
7. Yellowstone is the most crowded in summer.
8. Yellowstone is most crowded in summer.
(English Grammar, by Xuan Yuanyou)

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

1. *He's the nicest when he's with children.
2. He's nicest when he's with children.
3. *She works the hardest when she's doing something for her family.
4. She works hardest when she's doing something for her family.
(Practical English Usage, Michael Swan)

According to Michael Swan, #1 and #3 are not acceptable in British English.

Both are fine in American English. It will be interesting to see what our Brits say.

The sentences below are all acceptable in American English. Are they all acceptable in British English?

5. Mangoes are the most expensive in early summer, when they first come out.
6. Mangoes are most expensive in early summer, when they first come out.
7. Yellowstone is the most crowded in summer.
8. Yellowstone is most crowded in summer.
(English Grammar, by Xuan Yuanyou)

It's interesting that you have a book that separates American and British grammar. That's handy!

 

[teechar]

7. Yellowstone is the most crowded in summer.

That's possible, but in a different context.

A: Which national park is the most crowded in summer?
B: Yellowstone is the most crowded in summer.
[ In such a context, omitting the definite article "the" would be wrong.]

The same applies to the other sentences. In other words, they can work in a different context.