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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Use of word

I have seen sentences with and without the article. Is it optional or required, and what is the difference if it is optional?

Moderation is (the) key to a healthy diet.
  

Top answer

Anonymous . Is it optional or required It is optional. Anonymous what is the difference if it is optional?

— Mister Micawber

  • Anonymous .
  • Is it optional or required It is optional.
  • Anonymous what is the difference if it is optional?
  • Without the article, 'key' is an adjective; with it, it is a noun.
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13 Answers
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Anonymous. Is it optional or required
It is optional.
Anonymous what is the difference if it is optional?
Without the article, 'key' is an adjective; with it, it is a noun.
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Mister MicawberIt is optional.
Thank a lot, teacher. That was confusing me and that was what I thought!
Mister MicawberWithout the article, 'key' is an adjective
What does the adjective 'key' imply in the sentence? Does it imply that it is 'very important/necessary or vital'?
Mister Micawber
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AnonymousI hope I am close to being right!
You are.
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Mister MicawberYou are.
Oh Really, I am glad! Emotion: smile

Which of the sentences do you prefer a
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I'd use "the key" though.
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Kareem AhmedI'd use "the key" though.
Why?
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AnonymousWhich of the sentences do you prefer and think conveys the idea better?
They are both fine; it is a writer's style choice.
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Mister MicawberThey are both fine; it is a writer's style choice.
Yes, but since they convey slightly different meanings, wouldn't the choice also depend on the meaning? 'the key' would be the choice if the writer thinks that it is the thing or solution to the problem, and not just that it is very important, maybe!

Do you agree, maybe?
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AnonymousDo you agree, maybe?
No. I don't think they have different meanings.
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Mister MicawberNo. I don't think they have different meanings.
Then what is the difference between then meanings since the noun and adjective forms are different in the sentence and you said that I explained their meaning correctly. Is it just that they mean almost the same thing but expressed in different ways?
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