Most/Almost
Most can be followed directly by a noun or by the phrase “of the.”
However, it cannot be followed by “of” or “the” alone.
Almost* is usually followed by a number or quantifier (90%, all).
The quantifier can be followed by the phrase “of the,” but not “of” or “the” alone.
| XX | Most of Koreans live in Asia. (Wrong!) | |
| OK | Most Koreans live in Asia. (The majority of the world’s Korean people.) | |
| OK | Most of the Koreans in this class are male. (Only those in the class.) | |
| XX | Almost Japanese people eat rice. (Wrong!?) | |
| OK | Almost all Japanese (people) eat rice. | |
| XX | Almost of Japanese students like sushi. (Wrong!) | |
| OK | Almost all of the Japanese (in this class) like sushi. |
*Almost means “not completely” and can also be used before verbs and adverbs.
He almost finished his homework.
We’re almost there!
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