much the best vs by far the best

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'By far the best' is a common expression used to emphasize that something is significantly better than all others. On the other hand, 'much the best' is less common and may sound a bit old-fashioned or formal. It is used to convey a similar meaning of being significantly better than others, but with a slightly different nuance.

Last updated: March 17, 2024 • 5203 views

This phrase is correct but less common in modern English. It is used to emphasize that something is significantly better than all others.

"much the best "

This phrase is used to express that something or someone is the best by a large margin compared to others. It is more formal or old-fashioned compared to 'by far the best.'

Show examples from the web [+]

Henry's room is much bigger than mine. These shoes are much more comfortable . I'm feeling very much better, thank you. much too big/old etc. He was driving much too fast. much the best/most interesting etc British English. It's much the best ...
Dec 29, 2013 ... What does the following sentence exactly mean? He is the very best student in our class. Is it any different in meaning from the following? He is by far the best student in our class. He is much the best student in our class.
Loach's latest film is much the best thing he's done. 1. [usually in negatives or questions] a large amount of something. It's a small car that doesn't use much fuel . I don't pretend to know much about art. very much: It wouldn't cost very much to ...
Sep 22, 2015 ... After learning the results of the MRI examination he underwent Monday, third baseman Justin Turner said he expected to be playing again in a “couple of days. ” “It was pretty much the best case we could have had,” Turner ...

Alternatives:

by far the best
the best by a long way
head and shoulders above the rest
in a league of its own
second to none

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is used to emphasize that something is significantly better than all others.

"by far the best"

This phrase is a common expression to highlight that something or someone is the best by a large margin compared to others. It is more commonly used in everyday language.

Show examples from the web [+]

For example, you can say that something is by far the best or the best by far to indicate that it is definitely the best. [emphasis].
Dec 29, 2013 ... "He is the very best student" means that there are many excellent students, but he is better than the others. "He is by far the best ...
Mar 25, 2021 ... The embattled indigenous peoples of Latin America are by far the best guardians of the regions' forests, according to a UN report, ...
This is by far the best place to get your eye exams! Everyone is so professional, clean, modern and they always have new styles/trendy frames!
Synonyms & Antonyms of by far. by a considerable margin. They were by far the best team in the league.

Alternatives:

much the best
the best by a long way
head and shoulders above the rest
in a league of its own
second to none

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much the best vs by far the best

"much the best "

"by far the best"

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