Explanations:In English grammar, the distinction between "most" and "most of" is important for constructing grammatically correct sentences. The word "most" is used to indicate the largest part or the majority of something, but it is typically used without a preposition when referring to abstract concepts or general ideas. For example, "Most people enjoy reading" or "Most students prefer online classes." In these sentences, "most" is used to refer to a general idea or concept without specifying a particular group or thing.
On the other hand, "most of" is used when referring to a specific part or group of something. It is used with a preposition to indicate a specific instance or part of a whole. For example, "Most of the students are present" or "Most of the city was affected by the storm." In these sentences, "most of" is used to refer to a specific group or part of a whole, such as the students or the city.
In the given sentence, "..... Delhi was without electricity last night," the phrase "most of" is the correct choice because it refers to a specific part of Delhi being without electricity. The sentence is talking about a specific instance or part of Delhi, not a general idea or concept. Therefore, "most of" is the appropriate phrase to use in this context.
It is important to note that "most" and "most of" are not interchangeable in all contexts. While "most" can be used to refer to a general idea or concept, "most of" is specifically used to refer to a specific part or group of something. Understanding this distinction is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences and avoiding common grammatical errors.