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Anonymous Posted 19 years ago
Grammar
some rule about using articles
Hi,
There is an entry in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary about usage of indefinite article:
used before uncountable nouns when these have an adjective in front of them, or phrase following them:
a good knowledge of French
a sadness that won’t go away
However, just came across this example:
It takes true grit (U) to stand up to a bully.
So, I guess, the rule above is more of a guideline than a rule?
There is an entry in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary about usage of indefinite article:
used before uncountable nouns when these have an adjective in front of them, or phrase following them:
a good knowledge of French
a sadness that won’t go away
However, just came across this example:
It takes true grit (U) to stand up to a bully.
So, I guess, the rule above is more of a guideline than a rule?
Top answer
Hi, very interesting... I wouldn't say you always have to add the article. But I'm not sure, so it would be interesting to know if in a sentence like...
- Hi, very interesting...
- I wouldn't say you always have to add the article.
- But I'm not sure, so it would be interesting to know if in a sentence like...
- Candidates must have (a) good knowledge of Physics the article can be left out.
- If so, then you can say that the article can be added when uncountable nouns are used together with adjectives or other information, but it is not necessary.
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7 Answers
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Hi,
very interesting... I wouldn't say you always have to add the article. But I'm not sure, so it would be interesting to know if in a sentence like...
Candidates must have (a) good knowledge of Physics
the article can be left out. If so, then you can say that the article can be added when uncountable nouns are used together with adjectives
very interesting... I wouldn't say you always have to add the article. But I'm not sure, so it would be interesting to know if in a sentence like...
Candidates must have (a) good knowledge of Physics
the article can be left out. If so, then you can say that the article can be added when uncountable nouns are used together with adjectives
00
"more of a guideline" - yes and no.
It seems to me that certain uncountables lend themselves to use with the indefinite article than others. The ones that do almost invariably take the indefinite article when the appropriate conditions apply.
So knowledge and sadness go in the one group and grit goes in the other group.
At least that's one theory
It seems to me that certain uncountables lend themselves to use with the indefinite article than others. The ones that do almost invariably take the indefinite article when the appropriate conditions apply.
So knowledge and sadness go in the one group and grit goes in the other group.
At least that's one theory
00
Hi Jim,
but is it possible to leave out the article in the cases where you can include it?
Ex:
Candidates must have (a) good knowledge of Physics
Thanks
but is it possible to leave out the article in the cases where you can include it?
Ex:
Candidates must have (a) good knowledge of Physics
Thanks
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... have good knowledge of ...
Hmm. That sounds wrong to me. I would say it's required here, but I don't think I've ever heard it discussed as a "rule". These are more a matter of usage and style than of grammar, I'd say.
CJ
Hmm. That sounds wrong to me. I would say it's required here, but I don't think I've ever heard it discussed as a "rule". These are more a matter of usage and style than of grammar, I'd say.
CJ
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CalifJim These are more a matter of usage and style than of grammar, I'd say.Heh, again. Yes, it's probably one of those things that is good just because it sounds good and it's the way most people say it. So, listen/read ---> use ---> memorize usage. It takes time...
00
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KooyeenHi Jim,
but is it possible to leave out the article in the cases where you can include it?
Ex:
Candidates must have (a) good knowledge of Physics
Thanks
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