The use of THE

Question

which one is correct and why?

Since THE BEGINNING of the age of computers, technological advances have increased tenfold.

Since BEGINNING the research, Dr. Joe has collected 50 different kinds of plant rocks.

sln

MountainHiker · Accepted Answer

They are both correct.

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The beginning is referring to a point in time. Let's say that the "age of computer" started in 1980.

You could write, "Since 1980, computer technological advances have increased 10 fold."

"The beginning of the age of computers" *** marks a point in time.

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This is slightly different. It is referring when Dr. Joe started his research and continuing to today.

You could replace the word "beginning" with "starting".

"Since starting his research, Dr. Joe has collected...rocks"

To summarize:

"The beginning" references a specific point in time.

"Since beginning" something implies that the "doer" has begun something and continues to do it.

I hope that helps.

Miriam · Answer

Hello, sanlinn

In the first sentence, "beginning" is a noun, so it can take an article.
"The beginning of the book was interesting."
"I liked him from the (very) beginning."

In the second sentence, "beginning" is a verb, and for that reason it will not take an article. I have never come across such a structure before, though.

Miriam

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