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Jenda Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

Repeating "the", the definite article, in lists and enumerations

Although I found a similar question on the forum already, it didn't quite help me.

I'm translating a long medical text, and have trouble with using "the" in lists. The cases are, for example:
Chapter names - the chapters take organs one by one or in groups and talk about the problems with them:
"Toxins of the kidney and the liver"
"Toxins of the kidney and liver"

Lists of microbes or toxins- most of these are proper names:
"We have to remove the toxins of the Borrellia, the Streptococcus and the Rickettsia, as well as the toxins of fungi, viruses and the Aspergillus family."
"We have to remove the toxins of the Borrellia, Streptococcus and Rickettsia, as well as the toxins of fungi, viruses and the Aspergillus family."
(and other variations)

And lastly, lists of organs or other non-proper-name items:
"They can reach the hypodermis, the lymphatic or nerve tissues, the joints, the veins, the arteries and any other organ."
"They can reach the hypodermis, lymphatic or nerve tissues, joints, veins, arteries and any other organ."

Could someone please explain the workings of the "the"?
Thank you,

Jenda Vancura
  

Top answer

Jenda Although I found a similar question on the forum already, it didn't quite help me. I'm translating a long medical text, and have trouble with using "the" in lists. The cases are, for example: Chapter names - the chapters take organs one by one or in groups and talk about the problems with them: "Toxins of the kidney and the liver" "Toxins of the kidney and liver" Here I would put in "the" as there are two sets of organs and the toxins relating to each of them.

— Feebs11

  • Jenda Although I found a similar question on the forum already, it didn't quite help me.
  • I'm translating a long medical text, and have trouble with using "the" in lists.
  • The cases are, for example: Chapter names - the chapters take organs one by one or in groups and talk about the problems with them: "Toxins of the kidney and the liver" "Toxins of the kidney and liver" Here I would put in "the" as there are two sets of organs and the toxins relating to each of them.
  • " (and other variations) The second is preferable, and delete "the" in front of Borrellia.
  • You need "the" in front of "Aspergillus family" as it is a specific "family".
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5 Answers
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JendaAlthough I found a similar question on the forum already, it didn't quite help me.

I'm translating a long medical text, and have trouble with using "the" in lists. The cases are, for example:
Chapter names - the chapters take organs one by one or in g
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Thanks for the response.

I have a few ensuing questions...
For the Borrelia, if I changed the order around to
"We have to remove the toxins of Streptococcus, Borrelia and the Rickettsia,..."
I couldn't bring myself to omit the article before the Streptococcus - it's particular microbe, and I think it should always be with "the". I don't see why Borrelia should be any differen
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JendaThanks for the response.

I have a few ensuing questions...
For the Borrelia, if I changed the order around to
"We have to remove the toxins of Streptococcus, Borrelia and the Rickettsia,..."
I couldn't bring myself to omit the article before the Streptococcus - it's particular microbe, and I think it should always be with "the". I don't see why B
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Oh, that last "the" slipped in there by accident. However, the example shows everything I need to know - thanks! ?
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