0
Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Uncountable noun
Salaam,
In countable nouns, article isn't necessary if plural: There are trees. Necessary if singular (there is a tree). But in uncountable, both options are okay. He loved the dawn. It was dawn. (with and without the article).
Is my understanding correct?
In countable nouns, article isn't necessary if plural: There are trees. Necessary if singular (there is a tree). But in uncountable, both options are okay. He loved the dawn. It was dawn. (with and without the article).
Is my understanding correct?
Top answer
In theory, yes, but in real English, native speakers usually make use of the plural indefinite article 'some' for countables: There are some trees. But you seem to be speaking of all articles. The definite article functions with non-count nouns as it does with count nouns: for specificity and previous mention.
- In theory, yes, but in real English, native speakers usually make use of the plural indefinite article 'some' for countables: There are some trees.
- But you seem to be speaking of all articles.
- The definite article functions with non-count nouns as it does with count nouns: for specificity and previous mention.
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
In theory, yes, but in real English, native speakers usually make use of the plural indefinite article 'some' for countables: There are some trees.
But you seem to be speaking of all articles. The definite article functions with non-count nouns as it does with count nouns: for specificity and previous mention.
But you seem to be speaking of all articles. The definite article functions with non-count nouns as it does with count nouns: for specificity and previous mention.
00
Salaam M.
Mister MicawberBut you seem to be speaking of all articles. The definite article functions with non-count nouns as it does with count nouns: for specificity and previous mention.So you're saying 'the dawn' refers to the specific dawn that the man was enjoying. Without 'the', it means he simply enjoys dawn. Is that right?
00
I'm just saying there is a difference. Depending on the whole context, it could be a specific dawn vs dawns in general or vs the uncountable condition of early light.
0
Related Questions