by far the best

by far the best means “By far, far and away and easily before a superlative stress that something is way ahead of the rest.”. To emphasize a superlative, add by far before or after it: this is by far the best, she is the best by far. Formation: by far / far and away / easily + the + superlative

By far, far and away and easily before a superlative stress that something is way ahead of the rest.

B2

Formation

by far / far and away / easily + the + superlative

Explanation

To emphasize a superlative, add by far before or after it: this is by far the best, she is the best by far. Far and away and easily work the same way: it's far and away the most popular, he's easily the tallest. These phrases say the gap to second place is huge. In formal English you may also say 'much the best', but by far is the everyday choice.

Examples

This restaurant is by far the best in town.
She is by far the most talented singer in the group.

Note

By far attaches to superlatives (the best, the most useful), while much/far + comparative (much better) compares just two things. Keep the: 'by far the best', not 'by far best'.

FAQ

by far the best — what does it mean and how is it used?

By far, far and away and easily before a superlative stress that something is way ahead of the rest.. To emphasize a superlative, add by far before or after it: this is by far the best, she is the best by far. Far and away and easily work the same way: it's far and away the most popular, he's easily the tallest. These phrases say the gap to second place is huge. In formal English you may also say 'much the best', but by far is the everyday choice.

by far the best — how do you form it?

by far / far and away / easily + the + superlative

by far the best — any usage notes?

By far attaches to superlatives (the best, the most useful), while much/far + comparative (much better) compares just two things. Keep the: 'by far the best', not 'by far best'.

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