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Believer Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
question on usage of article
1. I have two sentences below which are the same except the "article" part. I think the first one is better because the there helps to give an impression that it is pointing to a specific animal that is gray and has a long nose -- and it seeems to better satisfy the definitional intent of the question. The second one seems to be OK and not terribly wrong but I can laid out the explanation. Maybe you can help to see better so I can explain to myself and write things out?
What do you call the large gray animal with a long nose?
What do you call a large gray animal with a long nose?
2. Maybe this question might not be clear but let me try. Why do we see the type of first sentence taking on the uncountable form and the type of second sentence usually taking the individual form? Is the adjective "baked" playing a part there?
I like potato.
I will take a baked potato.
What do you call the large gray animal with a long nose?
What do you call a large gray animal with a long nose?
2. Maybe this question might not be clear but let me try. Why do we see the type of first sentence taking on the uncountable form and the type of second sentence usually taking the individual form? Is the adjective "baked" playing a part there?
I like potato.
I will take a baked potato.
Top answer
1-- The speaker has a specific species in mind; only the seems reasonable to me. My impulse in response would be: What do you call the large gray animal with a long nose? -- A Greater Anteater.
- 1-- The speaker has a specific species in mind; only the seems reasonable to me.
- My impulse in response would be: What do you call the large gray animal with a long nose?
- -- A Greater Anteater.
- What do you call a large gray animal with a long nose?
- -- 'Smokey'?
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5 Answers
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1-- The speaker has a specific species in mind; only the seems reasonable to me. My impulse in response would be:
What do you call the large gray animal with a long nose? -- A Greater Anteater.
What do you call a large gray animal with a long nose? -- 'Smokey'? 'Nosey'?
2-- Like is not involved and is not an
What do you call the large gray animal with a long nose? -- A Greater Anteater.
What do you call a large gray animal with a long nose? -- 'Smokey'? 'Nosey'?
2-- Like is not involved and is not an
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Sorry, Mr. M.
I have corrected a few words on (in??) question 2 and now, maybe the question will be somewhat clear to you.
Thank you for your anticipated one more try.
I have corrected a few words on (in??) question 2 and now, maybe the question will be somewhat clear to you.
Thank you for your anticipated one more try.
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No, baked plays no part.
Waiter: And which vegetable would you like with your prime rib, baked potato or French green beans?
Guest A: I think I'll have baked potato.
Guest B: Yes, I'll also have a baked potato.
Guest C: Oh, what-the-****-- give me a baked potato, too.
Waiter: Fine, then-- that's three baked potato(es).... and to d
Waiter: And which vegetable would you like with your prime rib, baked potato or French green beans?
Guest A: I think I'll have baked potato.
Guest B: Yes, I'll also have a baked potato.
Guest C: Oh, what-the-****-- give me a baked potato, too.
Waiter: Fine, then-- that's three baked potato(es).... and to d
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Thank you, Mr. M.
1. Why is the expected form of sentence is "I like potatoes" and not, "I like potato" when potato is a variable noun. I thought for a variable noun, the option is open and the writer has somewhat liberal?? choices to partake on.
2. Why in the world of the English language, items like potato (or potatoes) are variable nouns and items like broccoli is an un
1. Why is the expected form of sentence is "I like potatoes" and not, "I like potato" when potato is a variable noun. I thought for a variable noun, the option is open and the writer has somewhat liberal?? choices to partake on.
2. Why in the world of the English language, items like potato (or potatoes) are variable nouns and items like broccoli is an un
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Let me run through this one last time:
1-- Most nouns have the potential of being both countable and uncountable.
2-- However, this potential is not equally viable for all nouns; in many instances, it requires a very specific situation for this to happen Most nouns, as you know from your dictionary, are primarily one or the other.
3-- The writer/spe
1-- Most nouns have the potential of being both countable and uncountable.
2-- However, this potential is not equally viable for all nouns; in many instances, it requires a very specific situation for this to happen Most nouns, as you know from your dictionary, are primarily one or the other.
3-- The writer/spe
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