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Daisytuba Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

"The" mind grows by what it feeds on.

I was reading a grammar book which talks about the usage of "articles" today and the textbook gave an example: "The mind grows by what it feeds on."

Does anybody know why we need to put "the" in front of "mind" in the sentence? I think "mind" is used as a general idea here and thus "the" is not necessary?

Thanks for helping...^^
  

Top answer

daisytuba I think "mind" is used as a general idea here and thus "the" is not necessary? No, it is used as a generic object.

— Mister Micawber

  • daisytuba I think "mind" is used as a general idea here and thus "the" is not necessary?
  • No, it is used as a generic object.
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4 Answers
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daisytubaI think "mind" is used as a general idea here and thus "the" is not necessary?
No, it is used as a generic object.
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Hi Mister Micawber,

Thanks for your reply...^^

But I don't quite understand what you mean. I thought any general noncount nouns do not need to be preceded by "the". Does it mean that "mind" is countable here? (I just checked the dictionary and it says "mind" can be countable too.)

Thanks for helping...
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daisytubaDoes it mean that "mind" is countable here?
Yes, but it is generic one:

The mind is a wonderful thing.
The lion is a fearsome beast.
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Thanks, Mister Micawber...^^

You've always been so helpful.
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