Use of articles

Question

Hi. I seem to have an ongoing problem with the articles as they do not exist in my first language. For example in a phrase 'clarity of the responsibilities' is 'the' in the write place and why? Why not 'the clarity'? The context is a discussion about the importance ('the' ?) of good understanding of each other roles in the team. I would be grateful if someone could shed a light on it.

Dimsumexpress · Accepted Answer

kxantypa For example in a phrase 'clarity of the responsibilities' is 'the' in the write place and why?

Your example of the phrase is not complete so I can't see the context in whole.

Generally speaking, article "the" does with proper nouns, something specific, or pertained to previous a passage, That's typical, not absolute as there are exceptions. When we talk about something in general, or make general statement, i.e. I don't like vegetables. Note, no "the" is used.

If a previous passage mentioned something but being unclear, then you can say "the clarity of repsonsibilty" needs to be further defined, because it is the specific clarity in the description of responsibility.

Other exampls:

Who was your trip in Hong Kong( specific)

The trip was great!

The hall way toilet is backing up!

There are implied specifics:

The phone is dead. (It is understood to be your phone line) So "the" is needed

The mail has not been delivered yet. (Same as above)

Hope that helps.

Cool Breeze · Answer

No one can shed light on your problem unless you provide the whole sentence. Even that may not be sufficient. A whole paragraph may be needed, perhaps even the preceding paragraph.

CB

Kxantypa · Answer

During the supervision, one of the shift leaders raised a concern that some junior care workers tend to exceed the scope of their responsibilities and undertake the tasks which are assigned to a shift leader. While delegation of other duties is an integral part of shift leading, it is not acceptable for a junior worker to administer medication. This would only happen in case of emergency or when clearly instructed by the manager providing they are trained and competent to carry out the task. In a reported case, despite the fact that such an instruction had not taken place, the person in question attempted to do a routine medication round. By undertaking the task the junior carer wasn’t prepared for and authorised to do, he was putting many people at risk as he wasn’t properly trained to handle medication increasing the risk of drug error.

The concern triggered a series of questions regarding clarity of the responsibilities within the team and leadership skills of the appointed team leaders. To manage a shift effectively the leader needs to possess a number of skills and apply various strategies but first and foremost to communicate their expectations with the junior care workers on duty.

Dimsumexpress · Answer

kxantypaThe concern triggered a series of questions regarding clarity of the responsibilities within the team and leadership skills of the appointed team leaders.

The concern refers to the previous context: putting many people at risk as he wasn’t properly trained to handle medication iriggered a series of questions regarding clarity of the responsibilities within the team and leadership skills of the appointed team leaders.

I agree with you.This is pretty specific and a finite article should be used: within the team and leadership skills of the appointed team leaders.

CalifJim · Answer

kxantypaThe concern triggered a series of questions regarding clarity of the responsibilities within the team and leadership skills of the appointed team leaders.

I would have written "the clarity of responsibilities", so you see it's possible to have some variation in the use of articles. Not every case absolutely requires only one solution in terms of articles.

CJ

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