0
Anonymous Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

The result or a result

Hi. Please tell me why it is correct to have the definite article before the word "result," which I think means only one result, in the following example sentence (Sorry for not being able to give you a complete sentence). If it is correct, why can't we use the phrase "a result," which I think denotes one of many results? For the purpose of my question, let's assume what it says here for the words "Mental depression" makes sense. Thank you in advance for your help

Mental depression is the result of one's being in a sad state for ( some appropriate time word).
  

Top answer

If it is the only result, use 'the'. If there are other results, say 'a'. Do you need to say 'mental'?

— Clive

  • If it is the only result, use 'the'.
  • If there are other results, say 'a'.
  • Do you need to say 'mental'?
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
If it is the only result, use 'the'.
If there are other results, say 'a'.

Do you need to say 'mental'?
0
0
As to your question, I think we don't need to use the word "mental" in the phrase "Mental depression." I believe the meaning of mental is already in the word "depression."

I wrote:

Mental depression is the result of one's being in a sad state for ( some appropriate time word).

How about this? In addition to some others, I changed the word "word" after "time
0
0
'The' sounds better to me.

the result that comes about due to is a terrible phrase. Just say the result of.
0

Related Questions