Key Difference: The terms Many and Most are used to specify the quantity of something. But, there is a huge difference between these two terms in English. So, we can use them in distinct contexts. Whenever we can count something, then we can blindly use the word “Many” but when we talk about a majority of instances, we might use the word “Most.” In this useful post, we will let you understand the contradictions between these words with proper explanation and examples.
Many: How many students are there?
Most: Why do my most of the friends looks weird?
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Many:
Things which we can count.
In this section, we will see how, where, and when to use “many.” Usually, we use this word when we talk about several things. This word should be used while talking about countable nouns. For example, three cars, ten students, one tree, etc. We may represent plenty of or a great number of things using the word many. Let’s see an example to make it clear. There are so many possibilities available to solve the problem. From this sentence, we understand that every problem has many solutions. Here, we come up with one more example for your better understanding. Many people waiting for the train.
How Do We Spell the Word Many?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word Many is ˈmɛni. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllabification refers to the process of division of words into smaller parts. It is commonly known as syllables. With its help, you can easily read and spell the word accurately. Here, you will see how to split the word “Many” by syllables.
- The word “Many” has two syllables.
- It can be divided as “Man-y.”
Using “Many” in sentences:
- How many certificates do you have?
- She brought many flowers for decorating the home.
- There are so many students waiting in the auditorium.
- Many people don’t know how to use money properly.
- He has many books in his room.
Most:
Refers to the Majority of Instances.
The term Most refers to the largest quantity. It is used as an adverb. We can use this word when we talk about the greatest degree or a larger quantity. Let’s see an example to make it clear. The most dishes in this restaurant are delicious. From this statement, we might understand that the majority of the dishes taste good in this restaurant. For your understanding, we come up with another example. Most of us would like to go on a vacation this weekend. In this sentence, we understand that all of us want to go on a vacation this weekend.
How Do We Spell the Word Most?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word Most is məʊst. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllables are phonological building blocks of words. It divides the words into parts that can help you read words more accurately. Let’s see how to split the word affect using syllables. Learning syllables can also help you to spell words correctly.
- The word “Most” has only one syllable.
- It cannot be divided.
Using “Most” in sentences:
- Most people don’t believe others.
- This is the most difficult task that I have ever done.
- Most of the business people faces too many difficulties to run their business.
- She made the most beautiful outfit to her customer.
- Final examination is the most important thing than other tests.
Compare: Many Vs Most
This table will show you the contradiction between the words Many and Most.
| Many | Most | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Refers to the countable nouns. | Refers to the Majority of Instances. |
| Synonyms | Numerous, multiple, several, diverse, abundant | almost, all, the mass |
| Antonyms | Few | little, few |
| Parts of Speech | Adverb | Adverb |
| Etymology | Old English manig, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch menig and German manch | Old English māst, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch meest and German meist |
| Examples | We used to spend many days in our hometown. I ate too many chocolates. She has many shoes. There are many kids playing on the ground. I don’t have many pencils. | Most gifts were painting pallets and chocolates. He drank the most water last night. Most kids like balloons. I answered most of the questions in the interview. Most people drink green tea in the morning. |
Resources and References:
Resources: Cambridge Dictionary (Many, Most), Merriam-Webster (Many, Most), Collins Dictionary (Many, Most), Dictionary.com (Many, Most)
Reference: Dictionary.Cambridge.org[1], Merriam-Webster.com[2], CollinsDictionary.com[3], Dictionary.com[4].