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Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Studies stars or the stars?

Hi. Do we need to put the definite article before the word "stars"? I think astronomers study more than stars, but let's assume the following could be words that start a definition. Thank you for your help in advance.
An astronomer is someone who studies (the?) stars to find out ...
  

Top answer

You don't have to put 'the'. But we are so familiar with the sky that we say 'the stars' very commonly. Clive.

— Clive

  • You don't have to put 'the'.
  • But we are so familiar with the sky that we say 'the stars' very commonly.
  • Clive.
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5 Answers
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You don't have to put 'the'.

But we are so familiar with the sky that we say 'the stars' very commonly.

Clive.
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Hi, thank you. Could you please tell me if the definite article "the" before the word "snow" is needed or not? Thank you for your help in advance.

Chains are put on the tires in order that they grip the road better in the snow.
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Do you want to make a very general statement about all tires, or a statement about specific tires, eg Tom's tires, in specific snow, eg the snow in Tom's road?

Clive
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Thank you, again. Let's say the sentence would be for making a very general statement about the use of chains on tires generally on snow-covered roads.

Chains are put on the tires in order that they grip the road better in the snow.
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Chains are put on tires in order that they grip roads better in snow..

Chains are put on tires in order that they grip the road better in snow.

I prefer #2.

Clive
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