“Which do you like best?” or “Which do you like most?”“I like that one better?”“What exactly” vs. “Exactly what”Is it 'what it looks like' or 'how it looks like'?“Do my best” vs. “my level best”The Usage of “Like Anything”What is the difference in meaning and usage between “gather” and “collect”?Why do we use “the most” as in “Which countries travel the most?”, why not just “Which countries travel most?”Difference between 'prank' and 'hoax'Distinguish twins vs distinguish between twinsThe difference in meaning between these pairs of sentences read and reading“like a German engine” vs. “German engine like”: which sounds better at the end of a sentence?
Is anti-Brahminism a quality of Asuras and Rakshasas?
Is there anyway, I can have two passwords for my wi-fi
What happens if I try to grapple an illusory duplicate from the Mirror Image spell?
Does Doodling or Improvising on the Piano Have Any Benefits?
How much do grades matter for a future academia position?
Identifying "long and narrow" polygons in with PostGIS
When and why was runway 07/25 at Kai Tak removed?
Check if object is null and return null
Pre-Employment Background Check With Consent For Future Checks
Mimic lecturing on blackboard, facing audience
Do I have to know the General Relativity theory to understand the concept of inertial frame?
Why is the Sun approximated as a black body at ~ 5800 K?
Why didn’t Eve recognize the little cockroach as a living organism?
Why is participating in the European Parliamentary elections used as a threat?
Why do Radio Buttons not fill the entire outer circle?
Can you identify this lizard-like creature I observed in the UK?
If Captain Marvel (MCU) were to have a child with a human male, would the child be human or Kree?
What should be the ideal length of sentences in a blog post for ease of reading?
Alignment of six matrices
Is there a way to play vibrato on the piano?
How to make a list of partial sums using forEach
Giving feedback to someone without sounding prejudiced
Can I run 125kHz RF circuit on a breadboard?
How to reduce predictors the right way for a logistic regression model
“Which do you like best?” or “Which do you like most?”
“I like that one better?”“What exactly” vs. “Exactly what”Is it 'what it looks like' or 'how it looks like'?“Do my best” vs. “my level best”The Usage of “Like Anything”What is the difference in meaning and usage between “gather” and “collect”?Why do we use “the most” as in “Which countries travel the most?”, why not just “Which countries travel most?”Difference between 'prank' and 'hoax'Distinguish twins vs distinguish between twinsThe difference in meaning between these pairs of sentences read and reading“like a German engine” vs. “German engine like”: which sounds better at the end of a sentence?
Is there any difference in usage between these two sentences?
- Which do you like best?
- Which do you like most?
I've read there is a slight difference in usage - a subtlety - and would like to hear what native speakers have to say about it in 2014.
word-choice word-usage superlative-degree best-most
edited Jul 7 '14 at 18:02
RegDwigнt♦
83.4k31281381
asked Jul 1 '14 at 21:16
CentaurusCentaurus
38.6k31125247
add a comment |
Is there any difference in usage between these two sentences?
- Which do you like best?
- Which do you like most?
I've read there is a slight difference in usage - a subtlety - and would like to hear what native speakers have to say about it in 2014.
word-choice word-usage superlative-degree best-most
edited Jul 7 '14 at 18:02
RegDwigнt♦
83.4k31281381
asked Jul 1 '14 at 21:16
CentaurusCentaurus
38.6k31125247
add a comment |
Is there any difference in usage between these two sentences?
- Which do you like best?
- Which do you like most?
I've read there is a slight difference in usage - a subtlety - and would like to hear what native speakers have to say about it in 2014.
word-choice word-usage superlative-degree best-most
edited Jul 7 '14 at 18:02
RegDwigнt♦
83.4k31281381
asked Jul 1 '14 at 21:16
CentaurusCentaurus
38.6k31125247
Is there any difference in usage between these two sentences?
- Which do you like best?
- Which do you like most?
I've read there is a slight difference in usage - a subtlety - and would like to hear what native speakers have to say about it in 2014.
word-choice word-usage superlative-degree best-most
word-choice word-usage superlative-degree best-most
edited Jul 7 '14 at 18:02
RegDwigнt♦
83.4k31281381
asked Jul 1 '14 at 21:16
CentaurusCentaurus
38.6k31125247
edited Jul 7 '14 at 18:02
RegDwigнt♦
83.4k31281381
asked Jul 1 '14 at 21:16
CentaurusCentaurus
38.6k31125247
edited Jul 7 '14 at 18:02
RegDwigнt♦
83.4k31281381
edited Jul 7 '14 at 18:02
RegDwigнt♦
83.4k31281381
edited Jul 7 '14 at 18:02
RegDwigнt♦
83.4k31281381
83.4k31281381
asked Jul 1 '14 at 21:16
CentaurusCentaurus
38.6k31125247
asked Jul 1 '14 at 21:16
CentaurusCentaurus
38.6k31125247
asked Jul 1 '14 at 21:16
CentaurusCentaurus
38.6k31125247
38.6k31125247
add a comment |
add a comment |
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
I don't know what you've read, but I can give you a native speaker's take on it.
Which do you like best?
I would use the above to ask for someone's advice on which they preferred of three or more choices, where the 'ranking' might go from least preferred to best. (this one, not at all, these two are ok, this one is very nice, but this one I like best.) In other words, good < better < best.
Most seems to me to connote a larger sample from which to choose. It is also asking more (to my way of thinking) for shades of interpretations instead of an authoritative opinion. Best limits the choices and the answer seems final.
What kind of books do you like most?
I can see an answer like, I like sci-fi and mysteries.
However, I think that they are used fairly interchangeably.
answered Jul 1 '14 at 21:47
anongoodnurseanongoodnurse
50.9k14108191
add a comment |
This is what I've read on the subject:
"Which do you like best?" and "Which do you like most?" are both acceptable. The former is probably the more usual when applied to things and people that we like on account of some quality they possess, so that we think of one as being better than another, the latter when liking is more a matter of mere preference on our own part than an implied comparison between the qualities or characteristics of the things amongst which we have to choose: e.g. "Which would you like most, to write a best seller, to win a fortune on the football pools, or to rise to the top of your profession?">
1. Current English Usage, Frederick T. Wood, Macmillan and Co ltd, London, 1961.
answered Jul 7 '14 at 14:46
CentaurusCentaurus
38.6k31125247
add a comment |
The grammatical truth is: no, they are NOT both correct! Only one is! You can follow that link to see why in detail - but basically, what it comes down to is that...
better, worse, best, worst are adjectives, which can qualify a noun.
more, less, most, least are adverbs, which can modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
When you like something, you don't like it good (adjective) - therefore you cannot like it better, best, worse or worst.
In practice though, most native speakers are either blissfully unaware of this distinction, or dismiss it as mere pedantry. So unless you're training to be a Grammar Nazi, assume they're equivalent.
TL;DR: "Which do you like most?" is acceptable to everyone, but some might object to "Which do you like best?" on grounds of strict grammar.
answered Jul 1 '14 at 22:04
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
120k33245429
Is an elided choice a reasonable assumption? Which (of these options/dress/pair of shoes, etc.) do you like best?
– anongoodnurse
Jul 1 '14 at 22:17
I don't think "elided choice" is actually the explanation (I assumed you meant justification, which in context is a slightly different thing). Grammatically, even if you explicitly include an ordinary noun after which (a "pronoun" which validly acts as a "noun" anyway), you can't get away from the fact that best is being used adverbially to modify the verb to like. Which as I say is fine by me, but I often find not everyone is so accomodating as me in matters of grammatical correctness.
– FumbleFingers
Jul 1 '14 at 22:35
3
The best-laid plans of mice and men. . . . I’m sorry, but this notion that best is only an adjective not an adverb is pure horse-hockey: it’s bloody-minded hyper-corrective prescriptivist poppycock with no basis in reason nor scholarship. OED: “best adv. superlative of well. 1. With vbs. In the most excellent way, in the most eminent degree; in the most suitable manner, with the greatest advantage, to the fullest extent.” Dates from OE with a citation from King Ælfred, and has hardly abated since then. @medica, best is fine. I can give a million other fine examples.
– tchrist♦
Jul 1 '14 at 23:03
@ FumbleFingers I've followed your link. I've read it but I couldn't find who the author is, much less what his credentials are. There is a Rosangela Cricci at the bottom of the page but it doesn't look like she is the person who wrote the text. @medica I'm waiting for more answers from other members and then I will try to answer my own question based on the reference I have.
– Centaurus
Jul 1 '14 at 23:58
I have never heard of this rule before. It doesn't sound familiar at all. Also, people do use 'best' as an adverb: "He walked best". Does that sound wrong to you? Did you know of this rule before you answered? Is there another source for that rule (I ask because I doubt it).
– Mitch
Jul 7 '14 at 10:47
|
show 11 more comments
You can like something well, hence you can like it better or best too.
answered 3 hours ago
Łukasz GosŁukasz Gos
1
New contributor
Łukasz Gos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function()
var channelOptions =
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "97"
;
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function()
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled)
StackExchange.using("snippets", function()
createEditor();
);
else
createEditor();
);
function createEditor()
StackExchange.prepareEditor(
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader:
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
,
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
);
);
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function ()
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fenglish.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f181745%2fwhich-do-you-like-best-or-which-do-you-like-most%23new-answer', 'question_page');
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
I don't know what you've read, but I can give you a native speaker's take on it.
Which do you like best?
I would use the above to ask for someone's advice on which they preferred of three or more choices, where the 'ranking' might go from least preferred to best. (this one, not at all, these two are ok, this one is very nice, but this one I like best.) In other words, good < better < best.
Most seems to me to connote a larger sample from which to choose. It is also asking more (to my way of thinking) for shades of interpretations instead of an authoritative opinion. Best limits the choices and the answer seems final.
What kind of books do you like most?
I can see an answer like, I like sci-fi and mysteries.
However, I think that they are used fairly interchangeably.
answered Jul 1 '14 at 21:47
anongoodnurseanongoodnurse
50.9k14108191
add a comment |
I don't know what you've read, but I can give you a native speaker's take on it.
Which do you like best?
I would use the above to ask for someone's advice on which they preferred of three or more choices, where the 'ranking' might go from least preferred to best. (this one, not at all, these two are ok, this one is very nice, but this one I like best.) In other words, good < better < best.
Most seems to me to connote a larger sample from which to choose. It is also asking more (to my way of thinking) for shades of interpretations instead of an authoritative opinion. Best limits the choices and the answer seems final.
What kind of books do you like most?
I can see an answer like, I like sci-fi and mysteries.
However, I think that they are used fairly interchangeably.
answered Jul 1 '14 at 21:47
anongoodnurseanongoodnurse
50.9k14108191
add a comment |
I don't know what you've read, but I can give you a native speaker's take on it.
Which do you like best?
I would use the above to ask for someone's advice on which they preferred of three or more choices, where the 'ranking' might go from least preferred to best. (this one, not at all, these two are ok, this one is very nice, but this one I like best.) In other words, good < better < best.
Most seems to me to connote a larger sample from which to choose. It is also asking more (to my way of thinking) for shades of interpretations instead of an authoritative opinion. Best limits the choices and the answer seems final.
What kind of books do you like most?
I can see an answer like, I like sci-fi and mysteries.
However, I think that they are used fairly interchangeably.
answered Jul 1 '14 at 21:47
anongoodnurseanongoodnurse
50.9k14108191
I don't know what you've read, but I can give you a native speaker's take on it.
Which do you like best?
I would use the above to ask for someone's advice on which they preferred of three or more choices, where the 'ranking' might go from least preferred to best. (this one, not at all, these two are ok, this one is very nice, but this one I like best.) In other words, good < better < best.
Most seems to me to connote a larger sample from which to choose. It is also asking more (to my way of thinking) for shades of interpretations instead of an authoritative opinion. Best limits the choices and the answer seems final.
What kind of books do you like most?
I can see an answer like, I like sci-fi and mysteries.
However, I think that they are used fairly interchangeably.
answered Jul 1 '14 at 21:47
anongoodnurseanongoodnurse
50.9k14108191
answered Jul 1 '14 at 21:47
anongoodnurseanongoodnurse
50.9k14108191
answered Jul 1 '14 at 21:47
anongoodnurseanongoodnurse
50.9k14108191
answered Jul 1 '14 at 21:47
anongoodnurseanongoodnurse
50.9k14108191
50.9k14108191
add a comment |
add a comment |
This is what I've read on the subject:
"Which do you like best?" and "Which do you like most?" are both acceptable. The former is probably the more usual when applied to things and people that we like on account of some quality they possess, so that we think of one as being better than another, the latter when liking is more a matter of mere preference on our own part than an implied comparison between the qualities or characteristics of the things amongst which we have to choose: e.g. "Which would you like most, to write a best seller, to win a fortune on the football pools, or to rise to the top of your profession?">
1. Current English Usage, Frederick T. Wood, Macmillan and Co ltd, London, 1961.
answered Jul 7 '14 at 14:46
CentaurusCentaurus
38.6k31125247
add a comment |
This is what I've read on the subject:
"Which do you like best?" and "Which do you like most?" are both acceptable. The former is probably the more usual when applied to things and people that we like on account of some quality they possess, so that we think of one as being better than another, the latter when liking is more a matter of mere preference on our own part than an implied comparison between the qualities or characteristics of the things amongst which we have to choose: e.g. "Which would you like most, to write a best seller, to win a fortune on the football pools, or to rise to the top of your profession?">
1. Current English Usage, Frederick T. Wood, Macmillan and Co ltd, London, 1961.
answered Jul 7 '14 at 14:46
CentaurusCentaurus
38.6k31125247
add a comment |
This is what I've read on the subject:
"Which do you like best?" and "Which do you like most?" are both acceptable. The former is probably the more usual when applied to things and people that we like on account of some quality they possess, so that we think of one as being better than another, the latter when liking is more a matter of mere preference on our own part than an implied comparison between the qualities or characteristics of the things amongst which we have to choose: e.g. "Which would you like most, to write a best seller, to win a fortune on the football pools, or to rise to the top of your profession?">
1. Current English Usage, Frederick T. Wood, Macmillan and Co ltd, London, 1961.
answered Jul 7 '14 at 14:46
CentaurusCentaurus
38.6k31125247
This is what I've read on the subject:
"Which do you like best?" and "Which do you like most?" are both acceptable. The former is probably the more usual when applied to things and people that we like on account of some quality they possess, so that we think of one as being better than another, the latter when liking is more a matter of mere preference on our own part than an implied comparison between the qualities or characteristics of the things amongst which we have to choose: e.g. "Which would you like most, to write a best seller, to win a fortune on the football pools, or to rise to the top of your profession?">
1. Current English Usage, Frederick T. Wood, Macmillan and Co ltd, London, 1961.
answered Jul 7 '14 at 14:46
CentaurusCentaurus
38.6k31125247
edited Sep 22 '14 at 13:37
answered Jul 7 '14 at 14:46
CentaurusCentaurus
38.6k31125247
answered Jul 7 '14 at 14:46
CentaurusCentaurus
38.6k31125247
answered Jul 7 '14 at 14:46
CentaurusCentaurus
38.6k31125247
38.6k31125247
add a comment |
add a comment |
The grammatical truth is: no, they are NOT both correct! Only one is! You can follow that link to see why in detail - but basically, what it comes down to is that...
better, worse, best, worst are adjectives, which can qualify a noun.
more, less, most, least are adverbs, which can modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
When you like something, you don't like it good (adjective) - therefore you cannot like it better, best, worse or worst.
In practice though, most native speakers are either blissfully unaware of this distinction, or dismiss it as mere pedantry. So unless you're training to be a Grammar Nazi, assume they're equivalent.
TL;DR: "Which do you like most?" is acceptable to everyone, but some might object to "Which do you like best?" on grounds of strict grammar.
answered Jul 1 '14 at 22:04
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
120k33245429
Is an elided choice a reasonable assumption? Which (of these options/dress/pair of shoes, etc.) do you like best?
– anongoodnurse
Jul 1 '14 at 22:17
I don't think "elided choice" is actually the explanation (I assumed you meant justification, which in context is a slightly different thing). Grammatically, even if you explicitly include an ordinary noun after which (a "pronoun" which validly acts as a "noun" anyway), you can't get away from the fact that best is being used adverbially to modify the verb to like. Which as I say is fine by me, but I often find not everyone is so accomodating as me in matters of grammatical correctness.
– FumbleFingers
Jul 1 '14 at 22:35
3
The best-laid plans of mice and men. . . . I’m sorry, but this notion that best is only an adjective not an adverb is pure horse-hockey: it’s bloody-minded hyper-corrective prescriptivist poppycock with no basis in reason nor scholarship. OED: “best adv. superlative of well. 1. With vbs. In the most excellent way, in the most eminent degree; in the most suitable manner, with the greatest advantage, to the fullest extent.” Dates from OE with a citation from King Ælfred, and has hardly abated since then. @medica, best is fine. I can give a million other fine examples.
– tchrist♦
Jul 1 '14 at 23:03
@ FumbleFingers I've followed your link. I've read it but I couldn't find who the author is, much less what his credentials are. There is a Rosangela Cricci at the bottom of the page but it doesn't look like she is the person who wrote the text. @medica I'm waiting for more answers from other members and then I will try to answer my own question based on the reference I have.
– Centaurus
Jul 1 '14 at 23:58
I have never heard of this rule before. It doesn't sound familiar at all. Also, people do use 'best' as an adverb: "He walked best". Does that sound wrong to you? Did you know of this rule before you answered? Is there another source for that rule (I ask because I doubt it).
– Mitch
Jul 7 '14 at 10:47
|
show 11 more comments
The grammatical truth is: no, they are NOT both correct! Only one is! You can follow that link to see why in detail - but basically, what it comes down to is that...
better, worse, best, worst are adjectives, which can qualify a noun.
more, less, most, least are adverbs, which can modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
When you like something, you don't like it good (adjective) - therefore you cannot like it better, best, worse or worst.
In practice though, most native speakers are either blissfully unaware of this distinction, or dismiss it as mere pedantry. So unless you're training to be a Grammar Nazi, assume they're equivalent.
TL;DR: "Which do you like most?" is acceptable to everyone, but some might object to "Which do you like best?" on grounds of strict grammar.
answered Jul 1 '14 at 22:04
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
120k33245429
Is an elided choice a reasonable assumption? Which (of these options/dress/pair of shoes, etc.) do you like best?
– anongoodnurse
Jul 1 '14 at 22:17
I don't think "elided choice" is actually the explanation (I assumed you meant justification, which in context is a slightly different thing). Grammatically, even if you explicitly include an ordinary noun after which (a "pronoun" which validly acts as a "noun" anyway), you can't get away from the fact that best is being used adverbially to modify the verb to like. Which as I say is fine by me, but I often find not everyone is so accomodating as me in matters of grammatical correctness.
– FumbleFingers
Jul 1 '14 at 22:35
3
The best-laid plans of mice and men. . . . I’m sorry, but this notion that best is only an adjective not an adverb is pure horse-hockey: it’s bloody-minded hyper-corrective prescriptivist poppycock with no basis in reason nor scholarship. OED: “best adv. superlative of well. 1. With vbs. In the most excellent way, in the most eminent degree; in the most suitable manner, with the greatest advantage, to the fullest extent.” Dates from OE with a citation from King Ælfred, and has hardly abated since then. @medica, best is fine. I can give a million other fine examples.
– tchrist♦
Jul 1 '14 at 23:03
@ FumbleFingers I've followed your link. I've read it but I couldn't find who the author is, much less what his credentials are. There is a Rosangela Cricci at the bottom of the page but it doesn't look like she is the person who wrote the text. @medica I'm waiting for more answers from other members and then I will try to answer my own question based on the reference I have.
– Centaurus
Jul 1 '14 at 23:58
I have never heard of this rule before. It doesn't sound familiar at all. Also, people do use 'best' as an adverb: "He walked best". Does that sound wrong to you? Did you know of this rule before you answered? Is there another source for that rule (I ask because I doubt it).
– Mitch
Jul 7 '14 at 10:47
|
show 11 more comments
The grammatical truth is: no, they are NOT both correct! Only one is! You can follow that link to see why in detail - but basically, what it comes down to is that...
better, worse, best, worst are adjectives, which can qualify a noun.
more, less, most, least are adverbs, which can modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
When you like something, you don't like it good (adjective) - therefore you cannot like it better, best, worse or worst.
In practice though, most native speakers are either blissfully unaware of this distinction, or dismiss it as mere pedantry. So unless you're training to be a Grammar Nazi, assume they're equivalent.
TL;DR: "Which do you like most?" is acceptable to everyone, but some might object to "Which do you like best?" on grounds of strict grammar.
answered Jul 1 '14 at 22:04
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
120k33245429
The grammatical truth is: no, they are NOT both correct! Only one is! You can follow that link to see why in detail - but basically, what it comes down to is that...
better, worse, best, worst are adjectives, which can qualify a noun.
more, less, most, least are adverbs, which can modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
When you like something, you don't like it good (adjective) - therefore you cannot like it better, best, worse or worst.
In practice though, most native speakers are either blissfully unaware of this distinction, or dismiss it as mere pedantry. So unless you're training to be a Grammar Nazi, assume they're equivalent.
TL;DR: "Which do you like most?" is acceptable to everyone, but some might object to "Which do you like best?" on grounds of strict grammar.
answered Jul 1 '14 at 22:04
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
120k33245429
edited Jul 1 '14 at 22:38
answered Jul 1 '14 at 22:04
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
120k33245429
answered Jul 1 '14 at 22:04
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
120k33245429
answered Jul 1 '14 at 22:04
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
120k33245429
120k33245429
Is an elided choice a reasonable assumption? Which (of these options/dress/pair of shoes, etc.) do you like best?
– anongoodnurse
Jul 1 '14 at 22:17
I don't think "elided choice" is actually the explanation (I assumed you meant justification, which in context is a slightly different thing). Grammatically, even if you explicitly include an ordinary noun after which (a "pronoun" which validly acts as a "noun" anyway), you can't get away from the fact that best is being used adverbially to modify the verb to like. Which as I say is fine by me, but I often find not everyone is so accomodating as me in matters of grammatical correctness.
– FumbleFingers
Jul 1 '14 at 22:35
3
The best-laid plans of mice and men. . . . I’m sorry, but this notion that best is only an adjective not an adverb is pure horse-hockey: it’s bloody-minded hyper-corrective prescriptivist poppycock with no basis in reason nor scholarship. OED: “best adv. superlative of well. 1. With vbs. In the most excellent way, in the most eminent degree; in the most suitable manner, with the greatest advantage, to the fullest extent.” Dates from OE with a citation from King Ælfred, and has hardly abated since then. @medica, best is fine. I can give a million other fine examples.
– tchrist♦
Jul 1 '14 at 23:03
@ FumbleFingers I've followed your link. I've read it but I couldn't find who the author is, much less what his credentials are. There is a Rosangela Cricci at the bottom of the page but it doesn't look like she is the person who wrote the text. @medica I'm waiting for more answers from other members and then I will try to answer my own question based on the reference I have.
– Centaurus
Jul 1 '14 at 23:58
I have never heard of this rule before. It doesn't sound familiar at all. Also, people do use 'best' as an adverb: "He walked best". Does that sound wrong to you? Did you know of this rule before you answered? Is there another source for that rule (I ask because I doubt it).
– Mitch
Jul 7 '14 at 10:47
|
show 11 more comments
Is an elided choice a reasonable assumption? Which (of these options/dress/pair of shoes, etc.) do you like best?
– anongoodnurse
Jul 1 '14 at 22:17
I don't think "elided choice" is actually the explanation (I assumed you meant justification, which in context is a slightly different thing). Grammatically, even if you explicitly include an ordinary noun after which (a "pronoun" which validly acts as a "noun" anyway), you can't get away from the fact that best is being used adverbially to modify the verb to like. Which as I say is fine by me, but I often find not everyone is so accomodating as me in matters of grammatical correctness.
– FumbleFingers
Jul 1 '14 at 22:35
3
The best-laid plans of mice and men. . . . I’m sorry, but this notion that best is only an adjective not an adverb is pure horse-hockey: it’s bloody-minded hyper-corrective prescriptivist poppycock with no basis in reason nor scholarship. OED: “best adv. superlative of well. 1. With vbs. In the most excellent way, in the most eminent degree; in the most suitable manner, with the greatest advantage, to the fullest extent.” Dates from OE with a citation from King Ælfred, and has hardly abated since then. @medica, best is fine. I can give a million other fine examples.
– tchrist♦
Jul 1 '14 at 23:03
@ FumbleFingers I've followed your link. I've read it but I couldn't find who the author is, much less what his credentials are. There is a Rosangela Cricci at the bottom of the page but it doesn't look like she is the person who wrote the text. @medica I'm waiting for more answers from other members and then I will try to answer my own question based on the reference I have.
– Centaurus
Jul 1 '14 at 23:58
I have never heard of this rule before. It doesn't sound familiar at all. Also, people do use 'best' as an adverb: "He walked best". Does that sound wrong to you? Did you know of this rule before you answered? Is there another source for that rule (I ask because I doubt it).
– Mitch
Jul 7 '14 at 10:47
Is an elided choice a reasonable assumption? Which (of these options/dress/pair of shoes, etc.) do you like best?
– anongoodnurse
Jul 1 '14 at 22:17
Is an elided choice a reasonable assumption? Which (of these options/dress/pair of shoes, etc.) do you like best?
– anongoodnurse
Jul 1 '14 at 22:17
I don't think "elided choice" is actually the explanation (I assumed you meant justification, which in context is a slightly different thing). Grammatically, even if you explicitly include an ordinary noun after which (a "pronoun" which validly acts as a "noun" anyway), you can't get away from the fact that best is being used adverbially to modify the verb to like. Which as I say is fine by me, but I often find not everyone is so accomodating as me in matters of grammatical correctness.
– FumbleFingers
Jul 1 '14 at 22:35
I don't think "elided choice" is actually the explanation (I assumed you meant justification, which in context is a slightly different thing). Grammatically, even if you explicitly include an ordinary noun after which (a "pronoun" which validly acts as a "noun" anyway), you can't get away from the fact that best is being used adverbially to modify the verb to like. Which as I say is fine by me, but I often find not everyone is so accomodating as me in matters of grammatical correctness.
– FumbleFingers
Jul 1 '14 at 22:35
3
3
The best-laid plans of mice and men. . . . I’m sorry, but this notion that best is only an adjective not an adverb is pure horse-hockey: it’s bloody-minded hyper-corrective prescriptivist poppycock with no basis in reason nor scholarship. OED: “best adv. superlative of well. 1. With vbs. In the most excellent way, in the most eminent degree; in the most suitable manner, with the greatest advantage, to the fullest extent.” Dates from OE with a citation from King Ælfred, and has hardly abated since then. @medica, best is fine. I can give a million other fine examples.
– tchrist♦
Jul 1 '14 at 23:03
The best-laid plans of mice and men. . . . I’m sorry, but this notion that best is only an adjective not an adverb is pure horse-hockey: it’s bloody-minded hyper-corrective prescriptivist poppycock with no basis in reason nor scholarship. OED: “best adv. superlative of well. 1. With vbs. In the most excellent way, in the most eminent degree; in the most suitable manner, with the greatest advantage, to the fullest extent.” Dates from OE with a citation from King Ælfred, and has hardly abated since then. @medica, best is fine. I can give a million other fine examples.
– tchrist♦
Jul 1 '14 at 23:03
@ FumbleFingers I've followed your link. I've read it but I couldn't find who the author is, much less what his credentials are. There is a Rosangela Cricci at the bottom of the page but it doesn't look like she is the person who wrote the text. @medica I'm waiting for more answers from other members and then I will try to answer my own question based on the reference I have.
– Centaurus
Jul 1 '14 at 23:58
@ FumbleFingers I've followed your link. I've read it but I couldn't find who the author is, much less what his credentials are. There is a Rosangela Cricci at the bottom of the page but it doesn't look like she is the person who wrote the text. @medica I'm waiting for more answers from other members and then I will try to answer my own question based on the reference I have.
– Centaurus
Jul 1 '14 at 23:58
I have never heard of this rule before. It doesn't sound familiar at all. Also, people do use 'best' as an adverb: "He walked best". Does that sound wrong to you? Did you know of this rule before you answered? Is there another source for that rule (I ask because I doubt it).
– Mitch
Jul 7 '14 at 10:47
I have never heard of this rule before. It doesn't sound familiar at all. Also, people do use 'best' as an adverb: "He walked best". Does that sound wrong to you? Did you know of this rule before you answered? Is there another source for that rule (I ask because I doubt it).
– Mitch
Jul 7 '14 at 10:47
|
show 11 more comments
You can like something well, hence you can like it better or best too.
answered 3 hours ago
Łukasz GosŁukasz Gos
1
New contributor
Łukasz Gos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
You can like something well, hence you can like it better or best too.
answered 3 hours ago
Łukasz GosŁukasz Gos
1
New contributor
Łukasz Gos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
You can like something well, hence you can like it better or best too.
answered 3 hours ago
Łukasz GosŁukasz Gos
1
New contributor
Łukasz Gos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
You can like something well, hence you can like it better or best too.
answered 3 hours ago
Łukasz GosŁukasz Gos
1
New contributor
Łukasz Gos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 3 hours ago
Łukasz GosŁukasz Gos
1
New contributor
Łukasz Gos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 3 hours ago
Łukasz GosŁukasz Gos
1
answered 3 hours ago
Łukasz GosŁukasz Gos
1
1
New contributor
Łukasz Gos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Łukasz Gos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Łukasz Gos is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to English Language & Usage Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function ()
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fenglish.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f181745%2fwhich-do-you-like-best-or-which-do-you-like-most%23new-answer', 'question_page');
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
