Use of Articles
“design means features of shape, configuration, colours, pattern or ornament applied to any article or non-physical product that give that article or non-physical product its appearance.”
This is part of a sentence found in a country's legislation.
Since “shape” and “pattern” are countable nouns, they should not be left without an “article”. Can it be changed to:
“design means features of shapes, configuration, colours, patterns or ornament applied to any article…………………………….”?
Top answer
In this instance those nouns can be used uncountably, and the omission of the article is OK. However, the anomaly is "colours", which should be "colour" to be consistent with the others.
- In this instance those nouns can be used uncountably, and the omission of the article is OK.
- However, the anomaly is "colours", which should be "colour" to be consistent with the others.
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In this instance those nouns can be used uncountably, and the omission of the article is OK. However, the anomaly is "colours", which should be "colour" to be consistent with the others.
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