Difference between "most" and "most of the"

[subhajit123]

Hi everyone, I am not sure when I use "most" and "most of the" in a sentence. Please help me.

Most people/most of the people in India are not aware of the availability of top-up covers to supplement basic health insurance covers.


Most ccompanies/most of the companies in Toronto made huge profits this year.

 

[emsr2d2]

In those sentences, they're both correct (although you have misspelt "companies" at the start of the second example sentence.

 

[subhajit123]

In those sentences, they're both correct (although you have misspelt "companies" at the start of the second example sentence.

Thank you emsr. I have seen that the first one is used most. Which is more formal in the two sentences: 'most' or 'most of the'? And do they mean the same?