Definite article with plural nouns?

Question

"Among most Western women, the region between the eyebrows is often plucked, waxed, shaved, or treated with electrology or laser hair removal."

Can someone explain to me why there is an article there? Can we omit it? If not then why not?

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

AnonymousCan someone explain to me why there is an article there?

Because it is referred to specific facial features (eyebrows) of the women.

AnonymousCan we omit it? If not then why not?

No. The article is required.

CalifJim · Answer

Anonymousthe region between the eyebrows

Everybody knows which eyebrows they are. They are the only two eyebrows they can be.

If you just say 'between eyebrows', it's a little like saying 'between any eyebrows; it doesn't matter which ones"; it's like you're expecting someone to ask "Which eyebrows?" as if there were many eyebrows all over the body.

We are so familiar with the parts of the human body that "the" is always used in these kinds of expressions.

below the knees, around the ears, above the eyes, near the hips, between the fingers, ...

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Argh this is so confusing! You using the definite article before "women" only made me more confused though. Is there a reason?

AlpheccaStars · Answer

AnonymousArgh this is so confusing! You using the definite article before "women" only made me more confused though. Is there a reason?

Your sentence began this way:
Among most Western women...

You have mentioned a specific group of women. So when we later mention these women, the definite article is used.

Definite article with plural nouns?

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