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Englishnewbie Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Highest?

Hello,

When do you use

SOMETHING was the highest when XXX.
SOMETHING was highest when XXX.

When do you use THE and not?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

I'd say offhand that "the" is required only when the adjective modifies a noun. When it complements the copular verb, as in your formula, it's optional. That was the highest grade he'd ever received.

— Avangi

  • I'd say offhand that "the" is required only when the adjective modifies a noun.
  • When it complements the copular verb, as in your formula, it's optional.
  • That was the highest grade he'd ever received.
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4 Answers
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I'd say offhand that "the" is required only when the adjective modifies a noun.
When it complements the copular verb, as in your formula, it's optional.

That was the highest grade he'd ever received.
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Do you mean that I can say

The price of the apple is highest around this time of the year.

Thanks,
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Yes, that's correct -- although it's more natural where apples are concerned to say "the price of apples is [the] highest etc."
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