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Optimus Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
The Definite Article
Esteemmed teachers,
Which of the following is right:
1)
A: The unprecedented economic growth only added to the divide between the rich and the poor.
B: Unprecedented economic growth only added to the divide between the rich and the poor.
Let's assume that it was not mentioned in the previous context.
I'm guessing A here, because it is referring to specific economic growth, namely the one which was "unprecendented."
Is B ever right?
How about here:
C. Economic growth only adds to the divide between the rich and the poor.
Is this correct?
2)
A: Despite the unprecedented economic growth in recent years, the rich have become richer and the poor even poorer.
B: Despite unprecedented economic growth in recent years, the rich have become richer and the poor even poorer.
I'm guessing A, because the author expects readers to be aware of the recent economic growth.
Since it is a current event and is "unprecedented," isn't it logical to assume that the readers are cognizant of this growth?
But the article used B. Why is that?
3)
A: Mr. Chairman, the esteemed members of the Committee, thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to appear before this very prestigious group.
B: Mr. Chairman, esteemed members of the Committee, thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to appear before this very prestigious group.
I'm guessing A again, because the speaker is mentioning particular members. But B is used instead. Please explain this to me.
Thank you
Which of the following is right:
1)
A: The unprecedented economic growth only added to the divide between the rich and the poor.
B: Unprecedented economic growth only added to the divide between the rich and the poor.
Let's assume that it was not mentioned in the previous context.
I'm guessing A here, because it is referring to specific economic growth, namely the one which was "unprecendented."
Is B ever right?
How about here:
C. Economic growth only adds to the divide between the rich and the poor.
Is this correct?
2)
A: Despite the unprecedented economic growth in recent years, the rich have become richer and the poor even poorer.
B: Despite unprecedented economic growth in recent years, the rich have become richer and the poor even poorer.
I'm guessing A, because the author expects readers to be aware of the recent economic growth.
Since it is a current event and is "unprecedented," isn't it logical to assume that the readers are cognizant of this growth?
But the article used B. Why is that?
3)
A: Mr. Chairman, the esteemed members of the Committee, thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to appear before this very prestigious group.
B: Mr. Chairman, esteemed members of the Committee, thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to appear before this very prestigious group.
I'm guessing A again, because the speaker is mentioning particular members. But B is used instead. Please explain this to me.
Thank you
Top answer
Hi Optimus, 1) A: The unprecedented economic growth only added to the divide between the rich and the poor. B: Unprecedented economic growth only added to the divide between the rich and the poor. Let's assume that it was not mentioned in the previous context.
- Hi Optimus, 1) A: The unprecedented economic growth only added to the divide between the rich and the poor.
- B: Unprecedented economic growth only added to the divide between the rich and the poor.
- Let's assume that it was not mentioned in the previous context.
- If it has not been mentioned before, then don't say 'the'.
- Consider a simpler example.
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7 Answers
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Hi Optimus,
1)
A: The unprecedented economic growth only added to the divide between the rich and the poor.
B: Unprecedented economic growth only added to the divide between the rich and the poor.
Let's assume that it was not mentioned in the previous context. If it has not been mentioned before, then don't say 'the'. Consider a simpler example.
1)
A: The unprecedented economic growth only added to the divide between the rich and the poor.
B: Unprecedented economic growth only added to the divide between the rich and the poor.
Let's assume that it was not mentioned in the previous context. If it has not been mentioned before, then don't say 'the'. Consider a simpler example.
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Clive B: Mr. Chairman, esteemed members of the Committee, thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to appear before this very prestigious group. This suggests that all the members are 'esteemed'. The committee will hear this more happily!But how about this: "Mr. Chairman, the members
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Hi again,
Here's my thinking on this.
When we speak directly to someone, we don't use 'the'. eg I say 'Thanks, mother', not 'Thanks, the mother'. The term 'mother ' is treated as a title. Same thing with 'Good evening, ladies and gentlemen' rather than 'Good evening, the ladies and the gentlemen'.
And same thing with addressing people directl
Here's my thinking on this.
When we speak directly to someone, we don't use 'the'. eg I say 'Thanks, mother', not 'Thanks, the mother'. The term 'mother ' is treated as a title. Same thing with 'Good evening, ladies and gentlemen' rather than 'Good evening, the ladies and the gentlemen'.
And same thing with addressing people directl
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Hi Clive,
"I like the teachers at my school." and "I like all the teachers at my school."
Do they both mean I like every teacher at my school? If so, which one is more preferable?
And how about this: "I like the nice teachers at my school".
Does it imply some teachers at my school aren't nice? If so, how can I make a sentence like "The teachers are nice at my
"I like the teachers at my school." and "I like all the teachers at my school."
Do they both mean I like every teacher at my school? If so, which one is more preferable?
And how about this: "I like the nice teachers at my school".
Does it imply some teachers at my school aren't nice? If so, how can I make a sentence like "The teachers are nice at my
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Hi,
"I like the teachers at my school." and "I like all the teachers at my school."
Do they both mean I like every teacher at my school? Yes, but #2 stresses the idea more, emphasizes that there are no exceptions. If so, which one is more preferable? Both are OK.
And how about this: "I like the nice teachers at my school".
Does it imply som
"I like the teachers at my school." and "I like all the teachers at my school."
Do they both mean I like every teacher at my school? Yes, but #2 stresses the idea more, emphasizes that there are no exceptions. If so, which one is more preferable? Both are OK.
And how about this: "I like the nice teachers at my school".
Does it imply som
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