superlative without 'the'

[Liza]

Hello,

I have one question about the superlative form of adjectives. As far as I know, when the adjective is in the superlative form, we have to use a definite article (the) before it or a possessive adjective. However, it's not the first time when I see an adjective in the superlative form without a 'the'.

'The weekend is when I'm busiest.'

This sentences is quoted from a textbook. If I had to, I would use it like this:
'The weekend is when I'm the busiest.'

Could you please explain me, when it's correct to use it without a 'the'? Or is it again a mistake of my textbook?

Thanks a lot.

[Mister Micawber]

.
No, the article can sometimes be omitted. It is often dropped in casual English when it is not the subject of the clause, or when the noun phrase is not otherwise modified:

The happiest man is the single man.
The single man is happiest.
The single man is the happiest man I know.

Also, it is dropped, as in your example, when the comparison is of the same entity at e.g. different times:

The weekend is when I'm busiest.
It's hottest in the summer.

And then, of course, there is no necessary 'the' when most means very:

A single man is most accommodating.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber

[Liza]

Dear Mister Micawber,

Thanks for your quick reply. It's quite clear now. However, I have some more new questions in conncetion to 'most'now.

1. Is it correct if still I put 'the' in a sentences like the previously given example, or I have to omit it.
e.g. The weekend is when I'm the busiest. Is it still correct? Or I must omit 'the'.

2. In connection to your last comment. Can 'most' and 'very' always be interchangable? And for example, what happens if the adjective is short. Still I can use 'most' instead of 'very' ? e.g. She is most pretty. Does it mean she is very pretty? It sounds strange, as the superlative for pretty is ' prettiest.'

3. 'Most people like weekends.'

In this sentences, most is a superlative? if yes, then why there isn't a 'the' again? Or it means: 'many' here? And if it means 'many' we mustn't use 'the' or we can if we want.

thanks for your reply.
Liza

[Mister Micawber]

.
1. -- The omission is optional.

2. -- I don't know whether they are always interchangeable, but I doubt it. It is not a common usage. However, She is most pretty. = She is very pretty.

3. 'Most people like weekends.' -- No, it is not a superlative. People is a noun, not an adjective or adverb. No 'the'.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber