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Victork Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

(the) project

I hope I am not exceeding my quota of allowable questions here. I am having a tricky time with English articles. Emotion: sad

My Q: can I use the definite article when I have something specific in mind even if I omit that specificity? I will show you what I mean:

"Some companies often take on projects and tolerate excessive cost overruns. We believe that such an approach is risky and can adversely affect the project."

The project is being mentioned for the first time and I don't have any particular project in mind, but I prefer to use the definite article because I mean to say "...can adversely affect the project that is being subjected to such a risky approach. I just choose to omit it.

Is this correct?

Thanks a lot, folks!

Vic
  

Top answer

victork I hope I am not exceeding my quota of allowable questions here. I am having a tricky time with English articles. I don't think there is such a limit here.

— MrGuedes

  • victork I hope I am not exceeding my quota of allowable questions here.
  • I am having a tricky time with English articles.
  • I don't think there is such a limit here.
  • Post as many questions as you like: we're always glad to help!
  • Generally, you should not use a definite article if you are mentioning something for the first time.
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6 Answers
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victorkI hope I am not exceeding my quota of allowable questions here. I am having a tricky time with English articles.
I don't think there is such a limit here. Post as many questions as you like: we're always glad to help!
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Thank you, MrGuerdos.
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victorkSome companies often take on projects and tolerate excessive cost overruns. We believe that such an approach is risky and can adversely affect the project.
Fine as is. Use "the".
victorkThe project is being mentioned for the first time and I don't have any particular project in mind, but I prefer to use the definite article beca
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CJ,
That's very informative, thank you. One more Q if you don't mind: if I weren't thinking about any project in mind and only wanted to say "We believe that such an approach is risky and can adversely affect a project", meaning ANY project, can I the indefinite article?
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victorkif I weren't thinking about any project in mind and only wanted to say "We believe that such an approach is risky and can adversely affect a project", meaning ANY project, can I use the indefinite article?
Yes. The generalized situation you've established with that sentence more or less neutralizes the meanings of va
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CJ,

That's fantastic, thank you!
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