Word
most of
Definition
fixed phrase. nearly all of a group of people or things. You use it to talk about the largest part of something.
fixed phrase. a quantifier phrase used to indicate the majority or the greater part of a specific set or mass. It requires a determiner (like 'the', 'my', or 'these') before the noun it modifies.
Examples
“Most of the students passed the exam.”
“I spent most of my weekend cleaning the house and doing laundry.”
“Most of the evidence presented during the trial was circumstantial, leading to a lengthy deliberation by the jury.”
Examples
simple
“Most of the students passed the exam.”
contextual
“I spent most of my weekend cleaning the house and doing laundry.”
complex
“Most of the evidence presented during the trial was circumstantial, leading to a lengthy deliberation by the jury.”
Usage
always followed by a determiner or a pronoun when referring to a specific group.
Teaching tip
contrast 'most' (general: 'most people') with 'most of' (specific: 'most of the people in this room') to help students master the definite article requirement.
Pitfall
Most of students like pizza.
Most of the students like pizza.
when using 'most of', you must include a determiner like 'the', 'these', or 'my' before the noun.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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