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Mitsuo23 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
the + adjectives =
Is it OK to interpret "the + an adjective" forms as simply the abbreviation of "the + an adjective + people"? In other words, the sentences below means exactly the same with or without "people"?
She lives in a special home for the elderly (people).
She devoted her life to helping the poor (people).
The French (people) were defeated at Waterloo in 1815.
Thank you,
M
She lives in a special home for the elderly (people).
She devoted her life to helping the poor (people).
The French (people) were defeated at Waterloo in 1815.
Thank you,
M
Top answer
Yes, that's the idea, but omit 'the' if you say 'people'. eg He lives in a special home for the elderly. He lives in a special home for elderly people.
- Yes, that's the idea, but omit 'the' if you say 'people'.
- eg He lives in a special home for the elderly.
- He lives in a special home for elderly people.
- Clive
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5 Answers
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Yes, that's the idea, but omit 'the' if you say 'people'.
eg
He lives in a special home for the elderly.
He lives in a special home for elderly people.
Clive
eg
He lives in a special home for the elderly.
He lives in a special home for elderly people.
Clive
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Thank you for the reply, Clive
What you said is exactly why I am confused with this grammar. To me, let's say, the rich people and rich people mean different. The former suggests all the people of a group and the latter suggests people of a group in general, and they are not interchangeable.
If one said, "He lives in a special home for the elderly people" I would think,
What you said is exactly why I am confused with this grammar. To me, let's say, the rich people and rich people mean different. The former suggests all the people of a group and the latter suggests people of a group in general, and they are not interchangeable.
If one said, "He lives in a special home for the elderly people" I would think,
00
Sorry but I would like to make sure one more thing.
When "the + nationality" is used I believe that means all the people of that country, whereas "the + adjective" means a certain group of people.
e.g.) The Japanese are our biggest economic rivals.
Thank you for your help,
M
When "the + nationality" is used I believe that means all the people of that country, whereas "the + adjective" means a certain group of people.
e.g.) The Japanese are our biggest economic rivals.
Thank you for your help,
M
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So, please let me make sure, the poor or the elderly means poor or elderly people in general?
These phrases commonly refer to people in general. But it depends on the context.
eg The elderly have more health problems. general reference
eg The young
These phrases commonly refer to people in general. But it depends on the context.
eg The elderly have more health problems. general reference
eg The young
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