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Natalli. Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Article Problem

Dear teachers

I have again a problem conserning these articles.

I read in a grammar book that we do not usually put a definite article with the following Nouns indicating illness, e.g. flu, influenza, pneumonia, BUT suddenly I see the measules, the typhus... is it possible?

Thanks a lot

Regards

Nata...
  

Top answer

We most definitely put "the" before flu (which is the same as influenza). MOST illnesses do not take the "the" but some do. I've got the flu, she has the measles We often use "a": I've got a cold, he as a sinus infection, my daughter has an ear ache, my cousin had a heart attack.

— BarbaraPA

  • We most definitely put "the" before flu (which is the same as influenza).
  • MOST illnesses do not take the "the" but some do.
  • I've got the flu, she has the measles We often use "a": I've got a cold, he as a sinus infection, my daughter has an ear ache, my cousin had a heart attack.
  • She has cancer, Lupus, IBS, appendicitis, etc.
  • I'll let JohnParis answer whether there is a reason some get the "the" and others do not.
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2 Answers
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We most definitely put "the" before flu (which is the same as influenza). MOST illnesses do not take the "the" but some do.

I've got the flu, she has the measles

We often use "a": I've got a cold, he as a sinus infection, my daughter has an ear ache, my cousin had a heart attack.

She has cancer, Lupus, IBS, appendicitis, etc.

I'll let JohnParis answer whether t
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Yes, please.

Thanks a lot

Am looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards

Nata..
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