Is 'the' mandatory before 'most'?

[Raja28]

The narrative, for most part, is engaging. or
The narrative, for the most part, is engaging.
Though it's been taught that the superlative should be preceded by 'the', I feel that the former sentence without 'the' is acceptable. Would love to know the views of the community.

[MrsCatInTheHat]

In this example, "the" is absolutely needed.

[Yssimnar]

The narrative, for most part, is engaging. or
The narrative, for the most part, is engaging.
Though it's been taught that the superlative should be preceded by 'the', I feel that the former sentence without 'the' is acceptable. Would love to know the views of the community.

If "parts" were pleural, you can say, "The narrative, for most parts, is engaging."
"The narrative, for the most parts, is engaging" wouldn't sound right.

[Raja28]

In this example, "the" is absolutely needed.

Thank you, for the clarification!

[Raja28]

If "parts" were pleural, you can say, "The narrative, for most parts, is engaging."
"The narrative, for the most parts, is engaging" wouldn't sound right.

That makes sense. Thank you!

[jgraney8]

Most seems to be used in two ways as an adjective. One is as a superlative as in the most intelligent, the most useful tools, the most amazing show. The second is when it has the meaning of a majority of as in most people know, most New Yorkers.

In your sentence, "the narrative, for the most part, is engaging", part is not used as separate units, so the most part is correct. Now, if you revised it to say, "Most parts of the narrative are engaging." You are now using parts as separate countable pieces.

Another way of looking at it is "for the most part" is a fixed phrase in English.

I hope this helps.

[Raja28]

Most seems to be used in two ways as an adjective. One is as a superlative as in the most intelligent, the most useful tools, the most amazing show. The second is when it has the meaning of a majority of as in most people know, most New Yorkers.

In your sentence, "the narrative, for the most part, is engaging", part is not used as separate units, so the most part is correct. Now, if you revised it to say, "Most parts of the narrative are engaging." You are now using parts as separate countable pieces.

Another way of looking at it is "for the most part" is a fixed phrase in English.

I hope this helps.

Thank you for the explanation! I think I'm getting to understand it better.

[kfwilson6]

I'm glad others provided explanations. Definitely need "the" included

[kaymontacell]

Definitely, "the" should be included in this context.

[Raja28]

I'm glad others provided explanations. Definitely need "the" included

Thank you!!

[Raja28]

Definitely, "the" should be included in this context.

Got it! Thank you

[Nditah]

The narrative, for the most part, is engaging. I think since it carries a sense of superlative, "the" - article should be included.

[Raja28]

That's what I gather, too. Thank you.