Unsure about using an article with "enthusiasm"
The rules of grammar say that you shouldn't use an article before "enthusiasm" because it's an uncountable noun, and I agree that there are sometimes when not using an article before "enthusiasm" sounds right. However, there are some instances, like below, where it sounds better (to me at least) to use an article:
"With a strong enthusiasm for reading that makes him a keen researcher, the applicant can..."
This sounds better to me than...
"With strong enthusiasm for reading that makes him a keen researcher, the applicant can..."
Is there a rule I'm missing that makes it acceptable to use an article before "enthusiasm" in the above example? Or it the above only correct with without an article and I'm just plain wrong?
Top answer
JJDouglas Is there a rule I'm missing that makes it acceptable to use an article before "enthusiasm" in the above example? Some uncountable nouns (usually the abstract ones) can take "a"/"an" when they are modified. A thorough knowledge of French is required for this position.
- JJDouglas Is there a rule I'm missing that makes it acceptable to use an article before "enthusiasm" in the above example?
- Some uncountable nouns (usually the abstract ones) can take "a"/"an" when they are modified.
- A thorough knowledge of French is required for this position.
- The man confessed to a virulent hatred of jaywalkers.
- The applicant has a strong enthusiasm for reading.
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JJDouglasIs there a rule I'm missing that makes it acceptable to use an article before "enthusiasm" in the above example?
Some uncountable nouns (usually the abstract ones) can take "a"/"an" when they are modified.
A thorough knowledge of French is required for this position.
The man confessed to a virulent hatred of jaywalkers.
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