[Grammar] Is it possible to use ' a' before 'most'?

Status
Not open for further replies.

marker

Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2010
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Polish
Home Country
Poland
Current Location
Ireland
Is it possible to say:

It's a most unforgettable thing in my life.
instead of:It's the most unforgettable thing in my life.

Is it in fact possible to use 'a' before 'most'? Any examples/exceptions?
Thanks for replies in advance:).
 

5jj

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Czech Republic
Current Location
Czech Republic
Is it possible to say:

It's a most unforgettable thing in my life.
instead of:It's the most unforgettable thing in my life.
No
Is it in fact possible to use 'a' before 'most'? Any examples/exceptions?
There are 1,130 COCA citations for 'a most unusual + adjective'.
 

engee30

Key Member
Joined
Apr 1, 2006
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
Polish
Home Country
Poland
Current Location
England
marker, if you see a followed by most, and then by an adjective, you can take it for granted that the most means very in such a case.
 

marker

Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2010
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Polish
Home Country
Poland
Current Location
Ireland
marker, if you see a followed by most, and then by an adjective, you can take it for granted that the most means very in such a case.


So it's possible to use 'a' before 'most' although it seems to be very rare.

a + most = very
the + most = most of all

Am I right?
 

Barb_D

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 12, 2007
Member Type
Other
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
It's not very rare when used to mean "very."

Welcome to a most joyous occasion.
It was a most beautiful day.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top