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    WAMarketeer's Avatar
    WAMarketeer Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Feb 4, 2011, 12:16 PM
    The phrase 'for the best' seems like poor grammar.
    I used the phrase, "It's probably for the best" recently and it seemed like poor grammar usage. Is it? What is its origin?
    joypulv's Avatar
    joypulv Posts: 21,591, Reputation: 2941
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    #2

    Feb 4, 2011, 12:22 PM
    It's an idiom, so it's OK even if not grammatical, but 'for the best' is grammatical.
    It's just short for a longer phrase that would describe what is best.
    Best 'result' or 'situation' or 'ending' or 'solution' sound sort of ponderous.
    Wondergirl's Avatar
    Wondergirl Posts: 39,354, Reputation: 5431
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    #3

    Feb 4, 2011, 12:25 PM

    You said it correctly.

    As for origin, it's an idiom -- from idioms.freedictionary.com "for the best" e.g., 1) Well, I was rejected by one college, but I really like where I am now, so I guess things worked out for the best. 2) Everyone was asleep by 9, and that turned out for the best because the sun woke us at 6 the next morning.

    Usage notes: often hope for the best (wish something ends well): We try to make sure we've planned for the worst, but we're hoping for the best.

    I've heard it mostly at funeral homes and funerals.

    It's a superlative for the word "good" --

    It is good.
    It is better.
    It is (the) best.
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