is a most

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a most" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize a particular quality or characteristic, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "This is a most intriguing book that challenges conventional thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a most un-Christlike creation.

The Economist

Human capital is a most precious commodity.

The New York Times

That is a most agreeable condition.

The New Yorker

That is a most unusual response.

The New York Times - Magazine

The result is a most imperfect democracy.

The New York Times

He is a most careful politician.

The New York Times

Kim Jong-un is a most elusive man.

The New Yorker

This book is a most wonderful gift.

Stanford University

This is a most interesting article.

Harvard University

He is a most unwelcome visitor".

The Guardian

It is a most satisfying comeuppance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a most" to add formality and emphasis to your writing, especially when describing qualities or characteristics you wish to highlight.

Common error

Avoid using "is a most" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is very" or "is extremely" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a most" functions as an intensifier, adding emphasis to the adjective that follows it. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it highlights the quality or characteristic being described, making it more noticeable or significant. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its diverse applications across different subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

34%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a most" serves as an intensifier to add emphasis and formality to descriptions. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically sound and widely used, though leaning towards formal and scientific register. The phrase is prevalent in academic, news, and scientific contexts. For those looking to enhance the nuances of their writing and add emphasis where appropriate, "is a most" offers a strong option, while being mindful of overusing the phrase. Ludwig's examples also highlight the phrase's versatility, providing writers with a variety of contexts in which the phrase can be effectively employed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is an extremely

Replaces "most" with "extremely" for emphasis.

is a very

Uses "very" instead of "most" for a less formal tone.

is particularly

Emphasizes a specific quality or aspect.

is remarkably

Highlights something noteworthy or exceptional.

is exceptionally

Indicates a high degree of a certain quality.

is notably

Calls attention to a specific detail or characteristic.

is quite a

Offers a slightly more understated expression.

is definitely a

Strengthens the assertion with "definitely".

is certainly a

Uses "certainly" to indicate a strong belief.

is indeed a

Affirms something with "indeed".

FAQs

How can I use "is a most" in a sentence?

Use "is a most" to emphasize a particular quality or characteristic. For example: "This "is a most unusual book"" or "He "is a most careful politician"."

What are some alternatives to "is a most"?

You can use alternatives like "is very", "is extremely", or "is particularly" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "is a most"?

It is appropriate to use "is a most" in formal writing or when you want to add emphasis to a description. It's less common in everyday conversation.

Is there a difference between "is a most" and "is the most"?

"Is a most" is used to emphasize a quality, while "is the most" is used to indicate the highest degree of a quality within a group. For example, "This is a most interesting article" emphasizes the article's interesting nature, whereas, "This is the most interesting article" states it surpasses all others in interest.