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SeroMack Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Control of access / The control of access

Control of access to the Internet will be a major project for the computer industry.
...reads the sentence on one of the grammar-course webpages found online.

Why do we omit the definite article before Control ? I know the noun is uncountable but is it not the specific kind of control that requires the definite article, like in the sentence: We should protect children from the bad influence of the environment, the noun influence right?
What is the rule behind uncountable nouns used in specific senses?
  

Top answer

The use of the definite article before non-count nouns is a tricky subject because it is optional. The inclusion of an article depends on how specifically the item needs to be distinguished from particular versus general occurrences. Admittance to the zoo costs $5 per child under 12.

  • The use of the definite article before non-count nouns is a tricky subject because it is optional.
  • The inclusion of an article depends on how specifically the item needs to be distinguished from particular versus general occurrences.
  • Admittance to the zoo costs $5 per child under 12.
  • Registration for fall classes will begin on August 5th.
  • Water is essential for life.
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2 Answers
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The use of the definite article before non-count nouns is a tricky subject because it is optional. The inclusion of an article depends on how specifically the item needs to be distinguished from particular versus general occurrences.

Admittance to the zoo costs $5 per child under 12.
Registration for fall classes will begin on August 5th.

Water is essential for life.
T
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