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Jooney Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
There
Hi,
The big question, of course, is how well a multiple-choice test can help screen for the ethereal mix of scientist and humanist and spiritualist that makes a good doctor. That is uncharted territory.
“Yes, we’ve fallen in love with technology, and patients are crying out, saying, ‘Sit down and listen to me,’ ” said Dr. Charles Hatem, a professor at Harvard Medical School and an expert in medical education. “So what the MCAT is doing has a laudable goal. But will recalibrating this instrument work? Do more courses in the humanities make you more humane? I think the best we can say is a qualified maybe.”
And then there are the more immediate concerns of pre-med students and their colleges, which are preparing for the seismic changes.
As far as I know, there constructions normally don't go with the definite noun phrase.
ex)
A: There is a more serious flaw, however, in your argument.
B: #There is the more serious flaw, however, in your argument.
Could someone tell me why the definite article was used in the underlined part?
I'd appreciate your help.
The big question, of course, is how well a multiple-choice test can help screen for the ethereal mix of scientist and humanist and spiritualist that makes a good doctor. That is uncharted territory.
“Yes, we’ve fallen in love with technology, and patients are crying out, saying, ‘Sit down and listen to me,’ ” said Dr. Charles Hatem, a professor at Harvard Medical School and an expert in medical education. “So what the MCAT is doing has a laudable goal. But will recalibrating this instrument work? Do more courses in the humanities make you more humane? I think the best we can say is a qualified maybe.”
And then there are the more immediate concerns of pre-med students and their colleges, which are preparing for the seismic changes.
As far as I know, there constructions normally don't go with the definite noun phrase.
ex)
A: There is a more serious flaw, however, in your argument.
B: #There is the more serious flaw, however, in your argument.
Could someone tell me why the definite article was used in the underlined part?
I'd appreciate your help.
Top answer
It seems reasonably normal to me: 'the' as usual indicates that the noun is previously known to writer and reader.
- It seems reasonably normal to me: 'the' as usual indicates that the noun is previously known to writer and reader.
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9 Answers
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It seems reasonably normal to me: 'the' as usual indicates that the noun is previously known to writer and reader.
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Thank you for your answer, Mr. M.
Could you please explain your answer in more detail? Thank you.
Could you please explain your answer in more detail? Thank you.
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Sorry, but I don't know what more to say. 'The' is used for specific nouns and previously-understood nouns, and that is the case here.
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And then there are the more immediate concerns of pre-med students and their colleges, which are preparing for the seismic changes.
The sentence is making a contrast between some general concerns (mentioned or implied earlier), and certain immediate concerns.The definite article identifies these specific concerns.
Another example:
There are many good
The sentence is making a contrast between some general concerns (mentioned or implied earlier), and certain immediate concerns.The definite article identifies these specific concerns.
Another example:
There are many good
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Thank you for your answer, Astar.
So,
previously mentioned concern: Some express doubts that the newly devised MCAT will be an effective way to measure the holistic component of test takers.
related, but a different concern: Students and colleges are worried about preparing for the new MCAT. (coursework for the new MCAT may be different, heavier etc)
Am I right?
So,
previously mentioned concern: Some express doubts that the newly devised MCAT will be an effective way to measure the holistic component of test takers.
related, but a different concern: Students and colleges are worried about preparing for the new MCAT. (coursework for the new MCAT may be different, heavier etc)
Am I right?
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jooneyAs far as I know, there constructions normally don't go with the definite noun phrase.In the general case, true. Nevertheless, there constructions can go with a definite noun phrase when the speaker feels he is merely reminding the listener of something already well known. It's similar to saying, "Don't forget ..."
- I'm planning a
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Nevertheless, there constructions can go with a definite noun phrase when the speaker feels he is merely reminding the listener of something already well known.
I'll keep this usage in mind. Thank you very much for the helpful examples.
I'll keep this usage in mind. Thank you very much for the helpful examples.
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I'll keep this usage in mind.— I hope that you've already had it in mind from my first post.
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