most popular

USAGE SUMMARY

The term 'most popular' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is preferred by most people. For example: "The most popular flavor of ice cream at the store is vanilla."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who is most popular?

The New York Times

(The most popular suggestions?

The New York Times

Three are most popular.

The Economist

Inspiration remains the most popular.

The New York Times

Soccer was the most popular.

The New York Times - Sports

The most popular are: Joker.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most popular are the bags.

The New York Times

Which were the most popular?

The New York Times

"Pilgrim's Progress" most popular publication.

The New Yorker

Among the most popular?

The New York Times

Her most popular dish?

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most popular", ensure you specify the context or group for which something is popular. For example, "the most popular song of the summer" is more informative than just "the most popular".

Common error

Avoid using "most popular" without providing a specific context or reference group. Saying something is "the most popular" without qualification can lead to ambiguity and weaken your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most popular" functions as a superlative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that it is the most favored or liked among a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Examples from Ludwig show it describing items, choices, and trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

23%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most popular" is a versatile superlative adjective that signifies the highest degree of preference within a specific context. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains. Its neutral tone allows for its integration into formal reports and casual conversations alike. To ensure clarity and relevance, it is essential to specify the context or reference group when using this phrase. Remember to avoid overgeneralization by providing specific details to make your statements more informative and impactful. Alternatives such as "widely favored" or "commonly chosen" can provide nuanced substitutes depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely favored

This alternative emphasizes the breadth of preference, focusing on how many people like something.

highly preferred

This emphasizes the intensity of preference, suggesting something is chosen over other options.

generally liked

Focuses on the positive sentiment associated with the subject, indicating a widespread positive reception.

commonly chosen

This highlights the frequency of selection, indicating a habitual preference.

in demand

This suggests that there is a high level of request or desire for something.

top-rated

Implies that the subject has been formally evaluated and received high scores or rankings.

best-selling

Specifically indicates a high volume of sales, implying popularity in a commercial context.

leading

Suggests dominance in a particular field or category, implying greater popularity than competitors.

number one

This alternative directly implies that the subject is the most preferred or successful.

well-received

Highlights the positive response or acceptance something has gained from an audience.

FAQs

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

You can use "most popular" to describe a preference within a group, such as "This is the "most popular" choice among students".

What are some alternatives to "most popular"?

Alternatives include "widely favored", "highly preferred", or "commonly chosen", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "more popular" instead of "most popular"?

"More popular" indicates a comparative preference between two items, while "most popular" indicates the highest level of preference among multiple items. For example, "This brand is more popular than that brand", but "This is the "most popular" brand overall".

What's the difference between "popular" and "most popular"?

"Popular" describes something generally liked or well-received, while "most popular" identifies the item with the highest degree of preference or favor. One is qualitative, the other is superlative.