what is most

USAGE SUMMARY

"what is most" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is a relative clause that can modify a noun or noun phrase to indicate the greatest amount or degree of something. Example: "What is most important in life is not material possessions, but meaningful relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What is most important?

The New York Times

T.T.: What is most challenging about modeling?

The New York Times

What is most startling is the location.

The New York Times

"Today jihad is what is most important.

The New York Times

That's what is most consistent".

The New York Times

So what is most important?

The New York Times

What is most fulfilling about your work?

Stanford University

What is most rewarding about your work?

Stanford University

What is most needed in this moment?

University of California, Berkeley

What is most fulfilling about your job?

Stanford University

What is most interesting about it?

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what is most", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being compared or evaluated to determine the 'most' significant aspect. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "what is most" without a clear reference point. For example, instead of saying "What is most important is action", specify: "What is most important in addressing climate change is immediate action".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is most" functions as a relative clause, introducing a noun clause that serves as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalent use in expressing opinions, priorities, and key aspects across diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

22%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what is most" is a versatile relative clause used to emphasize the supreme or essential element within a context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed in diverse fields like News & Media and Academia. When using "what is most", clarity is crucial. Ensure the context clearly defines what is being compared to determine the 'most' significant aspect. Alternatives like "the most important thing is" and "above all else" can provide subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most important thing is

Emphasizes importance rather than degree, focusing on the essential aspect.

the key thing is

Highlights the crucial or fundamental aspect to consider.

the primary concern is

Focuses on the main issue or worry.

above all else

Stresses the ultimate priority or overriding factor.

the paramount thing is

Indicates the highest priority or superior aspect.

what matters above all is

Stresses importance over any other concerns.

the biggest thing is

Emphasizes the largest or most significant aspect.

the main thing to remember is

Highlights a crucial point that should not be forgotten.

essentially

Short alternative, focuses on the core element.

the long and short of it is

Summarizes a situation down to its most crucial aspect.

FAQs

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

The phrase "what is most" typically introduces a clause that highlights the supreme or essential element within a given context. For example, "What is most important is that we remain calm."

What's a more formal way to say "what is most"?

In a more formal context, you might use phrases like "the paramount thing is" or "above all else" to convey a similar meaning with greater emphasis.

What can I say instead of "what is most" to emphasize importance?

To emphasize importance, consider using phrases such as "the most important thing is" or "what matters most". These alternatives directly highlight the significance of the subject.

Is there a difference between "what is most important" and "what is important"?

"What is most important" implies a selection from a range of important things, singling out the supreme one. "What is important" simply acknowledges something's significance without necessarily comparing it to other factors.