the best + PRONOUN + can | could

Here are 2 examples of post-modifying a superlative adverb phrase with a clause containing an ellipted modal verb:

I do the best I can with what I have.

go about my business, make money, help society the best I can and try to promote free trade in this world.

listen

 

You know, I did the best I could with what I had.

listen


C1 English Grammar Profile point 118 in the category of CLAUSES is defined as:

‘the best’ as a superlative adverb + pronoun + ellipted ‘can’ or ‘could’.


An iWeb search for:

the _RRT _P can|could .

1 THE BEST I CAN. 1455
2 THE BEST THEY CAN. 840
3 THE BEST I COULD. 650
4 THE BEST THEY COULD. 252
5 THE MOST THEY CAN. 19
6 THE MOST I CAN. 18

We‘ll do the best we can.

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