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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
The first mention rule of the definite article
How strict is this rule exactly? Can one just keep using generic statements especially if they are plural? To give an example:
>“’Member when there weren’t so many Mexicans?” and “’Member when we were safer?” even jolt Randy from his lull. Randy, of all people! I don’t know if member berries will be part of the overall season, but I hope so: Randy is the perfect sap to fall victim to member berries; I get the sense we’ll be revisiting the both of them soon."
http://www.avclub.com/tvclub/chaotic-south-park-season-premiere-sets-stage-seas-242477
How come the definite article is omitted before "member berries" even though the author mentioned them before?
Another reviewer used the word with the definite article.
>"Their “six days to air” workflow has all but ensured South Park will never be the old man on the porch, but it’s great to see Matt and Trey continue to have a go at themselves, using up the member berries to call back an easy fan-favorite episode"
>“’Member when there weren’t so many Mexicans?” and “’Member when we were safer?” even jolt Randy from his lull. Randy, of all people! I don’t know if member berries will be part of the overall season, but I hope so: Randy is the perfect sap to fall victim to member berries; I get the sense we’ll be revisiting the both of them soon."
http://www.avclub.com/tvclub/chaotic-south-park-season-premiere-sets-stage-seas-242477
How come the definite article is omitted before "member berries" even though the author mentioned them before?
Another reviewer used the word with the definite article.
>"Their “six days to air” workflow has all but ensured South Park will never be the old man on the porch, but it’s great to see Matt and Trey continue to have a go at themselves, using up the member berries to call back an easy fan-favorite episode"
Top answer
Anonymous Can one just keep using generic statements especially if they are plural? Yes. The first reviewer is talking about member berries in general throughout the review.
- Anonymous Can one just keep using generic statements especially if they are plural?
- Yes.
- The first reviewer is talking about member berries in general throughout the review.
- The second reviewer is thinking about the member berries that Matt and Trey have conceived.
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5 Answers
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AnonymousCan one just keep using generic statements especially if they are plural?Yes.
The first reviewer is talking about member berries in general throughout the review.
The second reviewer is thinking about the member berries that Matt and Trey have conceived.
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But member berries are a character in the series. It is really confusing.
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AnonymousIt is really confusingIt doesn't need to be. Just remember that we sometimes have free choice on such matters.
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AnonymousCould you explain this phenomenon a bit more?I'd like a bit more definite answer on this please.
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