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Moominpapa Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
About "the"
I understand that the role of "the" as to specify words.
However I'm not sure about the difference between the sentences on this web page (http://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/spoil_2).
They are the sentences as the definitions of spoil.
"the things that someone gets by being successful"
"things taken by an army from a defeated enemy, or things taken by thieves"
Why doesn't "things" of the latter sentence have "the", while "things" of the former sentence has "the"?
What is the difference? It seem for me that the latter sentence also needs "the".
However I'm not sure about the difference between the sentences on this web page (http://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/spoil_2).
They are the sentences as the definitions of spoil.
"the things that someone gets by being successful"
"things taken by an army from a defeated enemy, or things taken by thieves"
Why doesn't "things" of the latter sentence have "the", while "things" of the former sentence has "the"?
What is the difference? It seem for me that the latter sentence also needs "the".
Top answer
Dear Moominpapa When defining a noun, you don't need an article. You're right that "the" is necessary when using the word "spoils" (always in plural) in a sentence. " Kind regards, Michael
- Dear Moominpapa When defining a noun, you don't need an article.
- You're right that "the" is necessary when using the word "spoils" (always in plural) in a sentence.
- " Kind regards, Michael
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4 Answers
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Dear Moominpapa
When defining a noun, you don't need an article. You're right that "the" is necessary when using the word "spoils" (always in plural) in a sentence. In fact, even when "the spoils" are not described further, we still add "the", e.g.:
"The victor usually takes the spoils."
Kind regards, Michael
When defining a noun, you don't need an article. You're right that "the" is necessary when using the word "spoils" (always in plural) in a sentence. In fact, even when "the spoils" are not described further, we still add "the", e.g.:
"The victor usually takes the spoils."
Kind regards, Michael
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Thanks for your reply!
Which means that the former sentence "the things that someone gets~" is incorrect as a definition sentence?
When defining a noun, you don't need an article.
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You're welcome. With or without "the" - both are fine.
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