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Jandi Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

Omitting 'the' with the superlative

[1] I think we can omit 'the' in S1's, and we can't in S2's. Am I right?
S1a. Bill is [the] smartest.
S1b. Bill runs [the] fastest.
S2a. Bill is [the] smartest of the three.
S2b. Bill runs [the] fastest of the three.

[2] How about these?
S3. Bill is [the] smartest in his class.
S4. Bill is [the] smartest among us.
S5. Bill runs [the] fastest in his class.
S6. Bill runs [the] fastest among us.

Thank you very much.
  

Top answer

You are right about S1 and it is the same for S3 through S6-- in all cases the definite article is optional.

— Mister Micawber

  • You are right about S1 and it is the same for S3 through S6-- in all cases the definite article is optional.
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5 Answers
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You are right about S1 and it is the same for S3 through S6-- in all cases the definite article is optional.
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I think you have to make a question to the article in order to find out which one is right ! For instance, you are right. It`s right to say Bill is smartest. As well as you can say Bill is the smartest one ! about the other one , all of them are right , since you use the article.
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OH! It's different from what I've been taught.

Thank you very much, MM!

Enjoy the howl of the wind!
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As long as it's not premodifying a noun, the article can be omitted, Ms. Jandi. Notice Bruno's example: in 'the smartest one', the article is now required because it is directly premodifying 'one'.

Whether you omit or not probably depends on the style of each sentence; I think the article increases formality also.



Windy and cold, but sunny-- it's never ALL bad, is
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Windy and cold, but sunny-- it's never ALL bad, is it?

Windy and cold. It can also be enjoyable, I believe.
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