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Gori Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Are they all correct?--Omission of articles

Dear teachers,

In the following examples, which writing structure --a) or b)-- is correct?
In making one sentence out of Example #1/Example #2, I would like to know which one --a) or b)-- is better. If both are acceptable in writing/speaking, do you recommend to use a) rather than b) in formal writing & speech? Please help me...:

Example#1: I like a banana. I like a peach. I like a potato.

a) I like a banana, a peach, and a potato.
b) I like a banana, peach, and potato.

Example#2: I the banana. I like the peach. I like the potato.

a) I like the banana, the peach, and the potato.
b) I like the banana, peach, and potato.
  

Top answer

Hi, Gori, I can't imagine a use for any of them. If you're simply stating a liking for the food, say I like bananas, peaches, and potatoes. If you're making a request, say I would like a banana, a peach, and a potato.

— RandomGuy

  • Hi, Gori, I can't imagine a use for any of them.
  • If you're simply stating a liking for the food, say I like bananas, peaches, and potatoes.
  • If you're making a request, say I would like a banana, a peach, and a potato.
  • The definite article ( the ) may be used if you're referring to a specific item.
  • I would like the banana, the peach, and the potato.
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8 Answers
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Hi, Gori,

I can't imagine a use for any of them.

If you're simply stating a liking for the food, say

I like bananas, peaches, and potatoes.

If you're making a request, say

I would like a banana, a peach, and a potato.

The definite article (the) may be used if you're referring to a specific item.

I woul
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Aspara GusHi, Gori,I can't imagine a use for any of them.If you're simply stating a liking for the food, sayI like bananas, peaches, and potatoes.If you're making a request, sayI would like a banana, a peach, and a potato.The definite article (the) may be used if you're referring to a specific item.I would like the banana, the peach, and the potato. (the ones on the count
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GoriShould I always place an article before each noun in writing/speaking?
Not always. It depends on the type of the noun and how it's used.

These sites should help you gain a better understanding of nouns and articles.

http://faculty.deanza.
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Aspara Gus GoriShould I always place an article before each noun in writing/speaking?Not always. It depends on the type of the noun and how it's used.These sites should help you gain a better understanding of nouns and articles.http://faculty.deanza.edu/flemingjohn/storie
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Oh, I misunderstood your question. You are referring to article omission in lists. Sorry! I didn't read your original post closely enough.

Yes, it's OK with the simple list you've given, and as far as I know, it has nothing to do with formality.

There is a banana, peach, and potato on the table.
He put the banana, peach, and potato in his bag.

In
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Aspara GusOh, I misunderstood your question. You are referring to article omission in lists. Sorry! I didn't read your original post closely enough.Yes, it's OK with the simple list you've given, and as far as I know, it has nothing to do with formality.There is a banana, peach, and potato on the table.He put the banana, peach, and potato in his bag.In more lengthy and co
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GoriIs my understanding correct?
In our examples, yes, the second and third articles are optional.
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