# the most

CEFR B1 · Fixed phrase

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/the-most
Updated: 2026-07-26

## Definition

to the greatest degree or extent; you use this to say someone is doing something as much as possible.

For teachers: an adverbial phrase indicating the superlative degree of an action or quality. When used as an intensifier after a verb, it functions as a synonym for 'to the greatest extent' or 'more than anything else'.

## Examples

- I like this painting the most.
- Out of all the candidates we interviewed today, Sarah impressed the committee the most.
- While all the variables contributed to the experiment's failure, the fluctuating temperature affected the final results the most.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I like the most chocolate ice cream." but "I like chocolate ice cream the most." — when used to mean 'to the greatest degree', the phrase should follow the object rather than precede it.

## Usage notes

- usually placed at the end of a clause or immediately after the verb it modifies.
- Teaching tip: distinguish between its use as a superlative adjective ('the most beautiful') and its use as an adverbial phrase ('I like this the most') to help students with word order.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.