My question is about superlative degree 'eldest'. Can the word 'eldest' be used for a person who possess high status? Supposing, Mr. A has higher status than Mr. B, can we say, "Mr. A has always been eldest of all (exalted)"? If not, can we say, 'Mr. A has always been senior.' or 'Mr. A is senior.'
Please also tell me if the word 'senior' only mean that A is more experienced. Can this word (senior) refer to status?
'Eldest' is used only to refer to age. 'Senior' can refer to age (as in the phrase 'senior citizen') and can also describe status. You can talk about a person being the senior member of the team (most experienced or qualified) and talk about a person's seniority (rank or status).
Could you, please, clarify the use of "most... about.."
In the Exercise number two we have "The most difficult thing about English is..".
It's ok.
But sometimes I meet sentences without "the", such as "What do you like most about him?"
And also I can find very similar sentences, but with "the" - "You know what I like the most about Chicago?"
Which is correct regarding the use of the article "the"?
In an informal style, 'the' is sometimes omitted before 'most', particularly when it is being used as an adverb, e.g. 'What I like most about him is that he is very reliable' or 'She writes most effectively after her kids are in bed'. In these cases, 'the' can be used or omitted with no change in meaning.
As far as I can think right now, it is never necessary to omit 'the', so if you have any doubt, I'd suggest using 'the' when you speak or write.
You might also want to read through this Cambridge Dictionary entry on 'most', which might be useful even though it doesn't directly address your question.
Hello Zeeshan Siddiqii,
'Eldest' is used only to refer to age. 'Senior' can refer to age (as in the phrase 'senior citizen') and can also describe status. You can talk about a person being the senior member of the team (most experienced or qualified) and talk about a person's seniority (rank or status).
The opposite of senior is 'junior'.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello Yshc,
In an informal style, 'the' is sometimes omitted before 'most', particularly when it is being used as an adverb, e.g. 'What I like most about him is that he is very reliable' or 'She writes most effectively after her kids are in bed'. In these cases, 'the' can be used or omitted with no change in meaning.
As far as I can think right now, it is never necessary to omit 'the', so if you have any doubt, I'd suggest using 'the' when you speak or write.
You might also want to read through this Cambridge Dictionary entry on 'most', which might be useful even though it doesn't directly address your question.
All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team