About Most, uppermost, utmost, at most and almost

Today’s English
May 15th, 2017

One of the mostly used terms in English is most. How to use them in day-to-day speech with the utmost care is almost a significant part of spoken English. The uppermost words cited here are illustrated in the following with two examples at most for quick reference.

1.Most or the most?
When you use “most" in superlative degree and in sentences with the meaning of “largest in number and amount", the article the should be used.
Vani Rani is the most favorite TV serial for many ladies in Tamil Nadu.
Who spends the most money in your family?
Who got the most votes?
(Though in informal spoken English the is omitted, it’s not done in superlative, e.g. who got most votes? I spend most time in reading books.  But not "he is most intelligent student")

The article “The” is never used  before when “most" means “more than half" or “al most all".
Most of the students in my class come from rural areas.(= al most all students)
As most of you know, I’m gonna leave for Bangalore next week.

2.Utmost, uttermost or at most?
Utmost is a variant and short form of uttermost.  Both mean greatest. It’s always used as with the utmost care, with the utmost importance and with the utmost sincerity.
I filled in the application with the utmost care. (=with the greatest care)
He worked with the utmost sincerity.
It’s a matter of the utmost importance. Let’s deal with that first.

At most means “not more than”. It can be used as at most or at the most.
Candidates can attend five questions at the most. (= Not more than five questions)
Nowadays many families prefer to have two children at most.

3.Uppermost or upmost?
Upmost is a rarely used variant of uppermost. Both mean “the highest in position” or the greatest importance.
His office is on the uppermost floor.
My son’s admission is uppermost in my mind now. (=it’s of the greatest importance now.)

4.Almost
Almost means “nearly but not exactly or completely”
I’m almost ready. Please wait for few seconds.
The project is almost over. Just the finishing work is going on.
He behaved almost like a joker.

(Ladylove: How will you look after me after marriage?

Lover: with the utmost care.

Ladylove: will you be a faithful husband?

Lover: The most faithful one in the world. Unlike most of the other hubbies.

Ladylove: How many new dresses can I get in a year?

Lover: one on your birthday, one on the wedding anniversary and one on Diwali day – three at most.

Ladylove: whom will you support if any quarrel arises- me or your mother?

Lover: you will be uppermost in my mind.

Ladylove: Is that all true?

Lover: Almost true. You know, I never change my words from one person to another person. )