best or the best

[Boris Tatarenko]

I was taught (by myself) that we always used "the best" with an article. However, when I'm talking with people (they're not native speakers), they can say something like: "I'm best". I always consider it's a mistake, but I come across with this mistake quite frequently, that's why I'm confused whether it's wrong or not.

Look at examples below and tell me if they're correct:

I've never watched such a hilarious movie before. It's the best film ever (not "best film ever")
I'm the best one, aren't I? (not best one)
I'm the best Germany (player) in the game (if we're talkign about FIFA I)

Thanks.

 

[lotus888]

Actually, "I'm the best" is quite common among native speakers.

If "I'm best" is common among non-native speakers, then so be it. It's probably because non-native speakers can't delineate the difference in usage of comparatives and superlatives as well as native speakers.

"I'm good" is very common. So, it follows that "I'm best" is grammatically correct. But the superlative is usually singular, therefore it needs a determiner to indicate that. Many people can be good. But only one person can be the best.

If you look at this chart, it correctly puts "the" in front of the superlative.
http://rolandcooedumag.blogspot.com/2013/09/comparatives-and-superlatives.html



--lotus

 

[Tdol]

Look at examples below and tell me if they're correct:

They are fine.