Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[dido4]

Q1. Do we always need the in a sentence with the adverb of superlative?

1.
a. He works the most slowly.
b. He sings the most happily.

2.
a. He runs the fastest.
b. He jumps the highest.

Q2. Are there any rules about the the in a superlative sentence?

[Lorikeet]

A superlative means that something is the top, the number one, the best, and there is only one, so we use a "the". There may be minor exceptions, but I think using a "the" will get it right most of the time.

[dido4]

Thank you, Lorikeet.