best vs. the best

[Sweetpumpkin]

Hi,

I have some question on 'the best' and 'best'.

1) I like blue best.
2) I like blue the best.

And there are 'the most' and 'most'.

3) I like it the most.
4) I like it most.

Among the four, which is the right sentence?
Please help me,

sweetpumpkin

[Alan]

Hi,

By using 'the' with the superlative, you are suggesting it is one of a group/collection that is the 'best' greatest' of them all. In other words 'the best' of all the others/other colours. With 'the most' you are suggesting 'the most of all the things I like'. The last example really needs to be completed: I like it most of all.

Alan
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