0
Avid learner Posted 14 years ago
Vocabulary

Uncountable or countable noun

Hi,

"Ambition is a lust that is never quenched, but grows more inflamed and madder by enjoyment" by Thomas Otway

I am confused, from http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/lust I learn that the word "lust" is an uncountable noun, but the article "a' only can be used before countable noun, so should "a" be replaced by "the"?

Thanks, A.L.

Refer: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasotwa212204.html
  

Top answer

Hi, According to my grammar book, with certain uncountable nouns - especially nouns that refer to human emotions and mental activity - we often use a/an when we are limiting their meaning in some way. She has always had a deep distrust of strangers. The child shows a surprising understanding of adult behavior.

— Nikoo

  • Hi, According to my grammar book, with certain uncountable nouns - especially nouns that refer to human emotions and mental activity - we often use a/an when we are limiting their meaning in some way.
  • She has always had a deep distrust of strangers.
  • The child shows a surprising understanding of adult behavior.
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.

1 Answers
0
Hi,

According to my grammar book, with certain uncountable nouns - especially nouns that refer to human emotions and mental activity- we often use a/an when we are limiting their meaning in some way.

She has always had a deep distrust of strangers.

The child shows a surprising understanding of adult behavior.
0

Related Questions