Use of Articles with Nouns Modified by Certain Adjectives, Pronouns and Numerals

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Use of Articles with Nouns Modified by Certain Adjectives, Pronouns and Numerals

§ 32. Most.

(a) Most + adjective.

The definite article is used when most serves to form the superlative degree of an adjective.

This isthe most interesting chapter in the book.

The use of the indefinite article shows that a high degree of a quality is meant. Most has the same meaning as very, exceedingly.

Caroline found that the old maid had beena most devoted daugh­ter and sister. (Ch. Bronte)

Note. Occasionally the form of the superlative degree does not express comparison, but a high degree of a quality.

He listened withthe most profound attention.

He listened withthe deepest attention.

The same phenomenon is found in Russian: Он слушал с глубочайшим вниманием.

(в) Most + of + noun.

When definite people or things are meant the noun is used with the definite article and most is followed by the preposition of.

Most ofthe flowers in the garden were planted by the school­children.

Most ofthe gentlemen looked both angry and uncomfortable. (Voynich)

We say most, not most of the, when we do not mean definite people or things. The noun is used in a general sense.

Most flowers smell sweet.

§ 33. Few, a few, the few; little, a little, the little.

Few means 'мало'.

A few means 'несколько'.

The few means 'те немногие (которые)'.

He was a very good man. There are few like him in the world today. (Abrahams)

He left aftera few moments. (Dreiser)

You need not fear to hearthe few remaining words we have to say. (Dickens)

Little means 'мало'.

A little means 'некоторое количество'.

The little means 'то небольшое количество (которое)'.

We can't go skiing today. There is too little snow.

We havea little time. Let us take a walk in the garden.

Don't wastethe little time you have.

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