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Musicgold Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Article forTiming
Hi,
I have seen many native speakers not using an article before 'timining of ...'. For example, the following sentence. What could be the reason for that avoidance?
'Most variances explained above are due to timing of expenses and are expected to be closer to budget by year end.'
Also would the meaning of the sentence change if I inserted 'the' before 'timing' here.
Thanks,
MG.
I have seen many native speakers not using an article before 'timining of ...'. For example, the following sentence. What could be the reason for that avoidance?
'Most variances explained above are due to timing of expenses and are expected to be closer to budget by year end.'
Also would the meaning of the sentence change if I inserted 'the' before 'timing' here.
Thanks,
MG.
Top answer
Generally speaking, "the timing" refers to the timing of a particular event, while "timing" tends to mean "timing in general". ) is required. For example, in the following case, the meaning can't be general: "The timing was all wrong" -- OK "Timing was all wrong" -- Wrong (except in a kind of "telegraphic" style of English) In your sentence it's already clear that "timing" refers to the timing of these specific expenses (rather than timing in general), and including or omitting "the" makes no difference to the meaning.
- Generally speaking, "the timing" refers to the timing of a particular event, while "timing" tends to mean "timing in general".
- ) is required.
- For example, in the following case, the meaning can't be general: "The timing was all wrong" -- OK "Timing was all wrong" -- Wrong (except in a kind of "telegraphic" style of English) In your sentence it's already clear that "timing" refers to the timing of these specific expenses (rather than timing in general), and including or omitting "the" makes no difference to the meaning.
- The choice is therefore made on stylistic grounds.
- " (including in your sentence) because these are generally specific references.
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2 Answers
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Generally speaking, "the timing" refers to the timing of a particular event, while "timing" tends to mean "timing in general". For example:
"Timing is critical." -- General
"The timing is critical." -- Specific
In some sentences, the definite article (or another word performing the same grammatical function, such as "that", "his", etc.) is required. For example, in the
"Timing is critical." -- General
"The timing is critical." -- Specific
In some sentences, the definite article (or another word performing the same grammatical function, such as "that", "his", etc.) is required. For example, in the
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