an, the, or zero article

Either "an" or "the." But an article is definitely needed.

Hi,

A minor, rather irrelevant comment.

schools of fish would be much more common than schools of fishes.

Best wishes, Clive

Grammar GeekEither "an" or "the." But an article is definitely needed.

A fisherman can similarly locate schools of fishes by using a device called an echo-sounder.

To me, 'an' is the only article that can be used.

I think GG's right: both work for me too.

I searched for 'a device called the' but the results show 'a device called a'. It would appear that 'a device called a' is preferred or is used in British English.



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"a device called a" site:nytimes.com = 96

"a device called the" site:nytimes.com = 62

so GG is right.

Teo A fisherman can similarly locate schools of fishes by using a device called ___ echo-sounder. (A) an (B) the (C) No article is needed.

What is the correct answer?

I would not use an article here.

Also used on BrE sites as the BBC, as expected:


BBC NEWS | Technology | Talking newspapers get human 'voice'

Voice synthesis technology

As I said, "I searched for 'a device called the', but the results show 'a device called a ... ' ". IMO, combined with what you've found on the BBC website, 'the' is acceptable but 'a' is more commonly used, especially in BrE.



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