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Tarirotari Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

The or not the?

Hi,

Yesterday I read the following sentence in an interview:

"What really annoys me is people who finish my sentences for me."

My question is, shouldn't there be an article, "... the people ..."?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

No article is needed. The writer is complaining about the interruptions from any person or persons, not some specific ( the ) people.

— AlpheccaStars

  • No article is needed.
  • The writer is complaining about the interruptions from any person or persons, not some specific ( the ) people.
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4 Answers
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No article is needed.

The writer is complaining about the interruptions from any person or persons, not some specific ( the ) people.
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Yes, thank you AlpheccaStars,

But, isn't the relative clause defining "people"?

Cheers.
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tarirotari;

The relative clause is identifying a general group or class of people (i.e. by its membership qualifications), not some specific individuals.

Here is a song lyric: Only the superlative (luckiest) requires a determiner.

People who need people are the luckiest people in the world.
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Of course!

I see now. How blind I was!

Thanks a lot,

t.
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