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Reegis Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
Articles: [The/a] Rebellion broke out in northern Peru.
Hello.
Which version below is best when we want to present the news about "rebellion"?
1) Rebellion broke out in northern Peru.
2) A rebellion broke out in northern Peru.
3) The rebellion broke out in northern Peru.
Normally, according to the basic rules about articles, I would use #2 without hesitation (as first mention), but I know that 'rebellion' may sometimes be uncountable. Unfortunately I am not sure when and if it is uncountable in this case, then either 'rebellion' or 'the rebellion' might be correct.
Which version below is best when we want to present the news about "rebellion"?
1) Rebellion broke out in northern Peru.
2) A rebellion broke out in northern Peru.
3) The rebellion broke out in northern Peru.
Normally, according to the basic rules about articles, I would use #2 without hesitation (as first mention), but I know that 'rebellion' may sometimes be uncountable. Unfortunately I am not sure when and if it is uncountable in this case, then either 'rebellion' or 'the rebellion' might be correct.
Top answer
At first mention, the indefinite article would be normal. Zero article is possible but less common, I would say. Definite article is not possible at first mention.
- At first mention, the indefinite article would be normal.
- Zero article is possible but less common, I would say.
- Definite article is not possible at first mention.
- When presenting news, present perfect, "has broken out", would be probably be more suitable, assuming that the rebellion is still ongoing.
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4 Answers
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At first mention, the indefinite article would be normal. Zero article is possible but less common, I would say. Definite article is not possible at first mention.
When presenting news, present perfect, "has broken out", would be probably be more suitable, assuming that the rebellion is still ongoing.
When presenting news, present perfect, "has broken out", would be probably be more suitable, assuming that the rebellion is still ongoing.
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Yeah, of course you are right. Since we assumed it is first mention, then only #1 and #3 make sense.
But which one in this context? Is 'rebellion' here countable or uncountable? I think the decision comes down to countability.
I tried to google this and found for example this:
https://en.wiktion
But which one in this context? Is 'rebellion' here countable or uncountable? I think the decision comes down to countability.
I tried to google this and found for example this:
https://en.wiktion
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ReegisSince we assumed it is first mention, then only #1 and #3 make sense.You mean #1 and #2.
Reegis Is 'rebellion' here countable or uncountable? I think the decision comes down to countability.Right. With the indefinite article it is countable. With zero article it is uncountable. The difference in meaning is small. "a
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GPYYou mean #1 and #2.Yes, of course I meant this, sorry for the typo.
GPYThe difference in meaning is small. "a rebellion" sounds a bit more discrete than "rebellion".Now I think I understand this. Thanks for your help
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