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Victork Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
An establishment / The establishment
Guys,
Can I bug you with another question? It probably won't be difficult for you knowledgable folks here to answer.
I read sentences like (the abstract nouns have not been previous mentioned):
1. The situation was characterized by an absence of hostility.
2. The parties are working toward an establishment of peace.
(no 'establishment of peace' has been previously mentioned)
3. The parties are working toward the establishment of peace.
(also no 'establishment of peace' has been previously mentioned)
So that you don't think I am lazy, I will try to explain why I think this is and you tell me if I am right.
An indefinite article is OK (#1, 2) if you are introducing something for the first time or if you are not thinking of any specific instance. For example, "an absence of hostility" - any kind of absence of hostility.
The definite article is used if there is only one such abstraction in existence or in the mind of the writer. For example: "the man touched the nose of/on his face". As most people have only one nose, you use the definite article. But it's tricker with abstract nouns or conceptions, because one author may think that there is a number of establishments of peace and another author may think there is only one, so this becomes arbitrary. In fact, I see that some authors go with an indefinite article and some with the definite - it's style.
Am I right?
Thanks,
Vic
Can I bug you with another question? It probably won't be difficult for you knowledgable folks here to answer.
I read sentences like (the abstract nouns have not been previous mentioned):
1. The situation was characterized by an absence of hostility.
2. The parties are working toward an establishment of peace.
(no 'establishment of peace' has been previously mentioned)
3. The parties are working toward the establishment of peace.
(also no 'establishment of peace' has been previously mentioned)
So that you don't think I am lazy, I will try to explain why I think this is and you tell me if I am right.
An indefinite article is OK (#1, 2) if you are introducing something for the first time or if you are not thinking of any specific instance. For example, "an absence of hostility" - any kind of absence of hostility.
The definite article is used if there is only one such abstraction in existence or in the mind of the writer. For example: "the man touched the nose of/on his face". As most people have only one nose, you use the definite article. But it's tricker with abstract nouns or conceptions, because one author may think that there is a number of establishments of peace and another author may think there is only one, so this becomes arbitrary. In fact, I see that some authors go with an indefinite article and some with the definite - it's style.
Am I right?
Thanks,
Vic
Top answer
I agree with what you say. As you have mentioned yourself, it is indeed often a matter of style and the writer's preferences. Consider the following examples: Meritocracy is a new form of equality .
- I agree with what you say.
- As you have mentioned yourself, it is indeed often a matter of style and the writer's preferences.
- Consider the following examples: Meritocracy is a new form of equality .
- Meritocracy is the new form of equality .
- Assuming that "meritocracy" is being mentioned for the first time in both cases, either can be correct.
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3 Answers
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I agree with what you say. As you have mentioned yourself, it is indeed often a matter of style and the writer's preferences.
Consider the following examples:
Meritocracy is a new form of equality.
Meritocracy is the new form of equality.
Assuming that "meritocracy" is being mentioned for the first time in both cases, either can be cor
Consider the following examples:
Meritocracy is a new form of equality.
Meritocracy is the new form of equality.
Assuming that "meritocracy" is being mentioned for the first time in both cases, either can be cor
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victorkThe situation was characterized by [an / the] absence of hostility.Both are possible without any change in meaning.
victorkThe parties are working toward [an / the] establishment of peace.Both are possible without any change in meaning.
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As native speakers, we read these sorts of
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