The use of the definite article with nationality adjectives
Hello, I am new to this forum and I have grammar questions to do with an article problem.
We use the + nationality adjectives that end in -ch/-sh/-ese/-ss. The meaning is "the people of that country": The English, the French, the Swiss and etc, where the definite article is always (obligatorily) used.
As concerns other nationalities, the article is not always used: (the) Italians, (the) Mexicans, (the) Turks and so on.
My queries:
1) Why are the countries that end in -ch/-sh/-ese/-ss always preceded by the definite article, while others are not?
2) When do we use the Italians and Italians (without article)?
Many thanks.
Top answer
anonymous 1) Why are the countries that end in -ch/-sh/-ese/-ss always preceded by the definite article, while others are not? There is no rule or obligation of grammar; it is simply an arbitrary custom or habit. Generally, the nationalities that require "the" have no plural form.
- anonymous 1) Why are the countries that end in -ch/-sh/-ese/-ss always preceded by the definite article, while others are not?
- There is no rule or obligation of grammar; it is simply an arbitrary custom or habit.
- Generally, the nationalities that require "the" have no plural form.
- g.
- French has no "Frenches;" Burmese has no "Burmeses" Italian has Italians.
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anonymous1) Why are the countries that end in -ch/-sh/-ese/-ss always preceded by the definite article, while others are not?
There is no rule or obligation of grammar; it is simply an arbitrary custom or habit.
Generally, the nationalities that require "the" have no plural form.
e.g.
French has no "Frenches;" Burmese has no "Burmeses"
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