When it comes to expressing excellence or superiority, clarity is key. The phrases “one of the best” and “one of the bests” often cause confusion. Understanding the correct usage can enhance your communication and ensure your message is both clear and grammatically accurate.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the proper use of these phrases, providing examples, explanations, and practical tips to help you master their usage.
Understanding “One of the Best”
Definition and Correct Usage
The phrase “one of the best” is used to describe something or someone that is among the top in a particular group. It’s a superlative phrase that highlights excellence without implying that there is only one top choice.
Examples:
- “Her novel is one of the best books I’ve ever read.”
- “This restaurant is one of the best in the city.”
In these examples, the phrase indicates that the novel and the restaurant are outstanding, but not necessarily the single best among all options.
Grammatical Explanation
The phrase “one of the best” is grammatically correct because “best” is a superlative adjective that describes the highest degree of excellence. Superlatives like “best,” “worst,” “greatest,” etc., do not need an “s” at the end because they already convey the highest level of quality.
In grammar, “one of the best” functions as follows:
- One: Refers to a single item or person within a group.
- Of the best: Specifies that this item or person is among the top in a given category.
This construction effectively communicates that the subject ranks high but is part of a broader group of excellent options.
Analyzing “One of the Bests”
Why “One of the Bests” Is Incorrect
The phrase “one of the bests” is grammatically incorrect. This error arises from the misuse of the plural form “bests,” which is redundant when used with the superlative adjective “best.”
Incorrect Example:
- “Her novel is one of the bests books I’ve ever read.”
Here, “bests” is an unnecessary plural form that disrupts the grammatical structure of the phrase. Superlatives inherently imply that they are already in their highest form, so adding an “s” is unnecessary.
Common Misunderstandings
The confusion often stems from misunderstanding how superlatives work in English. Some might mistakenly add “s” to “best” due to a habit of pluralizing adjectives. However, superlatives like “best” do not require additional pluralization.
Examples of Misuse:
- “This restaurant is one of the bests in the city.”
- “He is one of the bests players on the team.”
These examples illustrate how using “bests” creates awkward and incorrect phrases. The correct form would be:
- “This restaurant is one of the best in the city.”
- “He is one of the best players on the team.”
Comparative Analysis
Examples of Correct and Incorrect Usage
To illustrate the difference, let’s compare sentences using “one of the best” with those using “one of the bests.”
Correct UsageIncorrect Usage“She is one of the best dancers in the world.””She is one of the bests dancers in the world.””This is one of the best recipes I’ve tried.””This is one of the bests recipes I’ve tried.”
In each case, the correct phrase clearly communicates that the subject is among the top without implying unnecessary pluralization.
Historical and Modern Usage
Historically, English superlatives have always been used without an additional “s.” The rules governing superlatives have remained consistent, and modern usage follows the same grammatical conventions. Changes in language often occur gradually, but the usage of superlatives has not evolved to include plural forms like “bests.”
Notable Trends:
- Consistency: Superlatives such as “best” have consistently been used without additional pluralization.
- Standardization: Grammar rules regarding superlatives have been standardized across various forms of English.
Practical Tips for Correct Usage
When to Use “One of the Best”
“One of the best” should be used in any context where you want to describe something or someone that is among the top in a particular category.
Guidelines:
- Identify the Category: Ensure that you are referring to a specific group or category.
- Use Proper Grammar: Stick with “one of the best” rather than “one of the bests.”
Example:
- “His performance was one of the best I’ve seen this year.”
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
To avoid using “one of the bests,” follow these strategies:
- Review Superlative Rules: Familiarize yourself with how superlatives function in English.
- Proofread Carefully: Look out for any misuse of superlatives during proofreading.
- Seek Feedback: Have someone else review your writing to catch errors.
Practice Exercises:
- Correct the following sentences:
- “The concert was one of the bests experiences of my life.”
- “She is one of the bests cooks I know.”
Correct Answers:
- “The concert was one of the best experiences of my life.”
- “She is one of the best cooks I know.”
Summary and Conclusion
Recap of Key Points
Understanding the difference between “one of the best” and “one of the bests” is crucial for clear and grammatically correct communication. The phrase “one of the best” correctly describes something or someone among the top in a specific category, while “one of the bests” is incorrect and redundant.
Key Takeaways:
- Correct Usage: Use “one of the best” for clarity and correctness.
- Incorrect Usage: Avoid using “one of the bests” as it is grammatically incorrect.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the use of superlatives like “best” enhances your communication skills and ensures you convey your message accurately. By sticking with the correct form, you maintain clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing and speech.
Justin Taylor is an expert in simplifying the intricacies of English for learners of all levels. His clear and concise writing style, combined with his deep understanding of linguistic nuances, makes him a go-to source for anyone looking to improve their language skills. Justin’s engaging content ensures that learning English is both enjoyable and effective.
