About "the " + a superlative form following an adverb

Question

I studied that basically we don't use " the " with a superlative form following an adverb. But I often see and hear such like
?Tom always got up the earliest.
?What sports do you like the best?
?I like soccer the best.
?Mike runs the fastest in his class.
?He studied the hardest of us all. ····and so on.

Which expressions are more popular, above sentences or the sentences without " the " like
?Tom always got up earlist.
?What sports do you like best?
?I like soccer best.
?Mike runs fastest in his class.
?He studied hardest of us all.

I'd like to hear your opinions.

Thanks in advance.

Reefa

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

AnonymousI'd like to hear your opinions.

I feel no significant difference in correctness or popularity between the two forms. Both are in wide use.

Reefa · Answer

Thank you very much for your reply.
In Japan there are still some English teachers who want to give a wrong mark on those sentences without " the ".
So that's because I wanted to ask this.

I hope I can hear your opinion again if you find my questions.

Anonymous · Answer

I agree with Mister Micawber that both forms are acceptable. If the superlative is an adjective you may have to use "the"(the earliest riser, the fastest runner, the best sport).

Mister Micawber · Answer

Hello, reefa—and welcome to English Forums.

reefaIn Japan there are still some English teachers who want to give a wrong mark on those sentences without " the ".

Yes, I know—and much more. It is a constant battle between what is taught and what is real.

About "the " + a superlative form following an adverb

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