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Believer Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

which action is this?

Hi,

I am not trying to knick-pick anyone's writing but I think Cool Breeze used the word 'action' without the article like this.

More seriously, while is often used to refer to long-lasing action.

I look up my Collins Cobuild Advanced Learner's English Dictionary and it noted like this among many otheres:

Action is doing something for a particular purpose

An action is something that you do on a particular ocassion.

How do we know which one is being used? Do you have any tips?
  

Top answer

Hi Believer, The expression is nitpicking. To take action on something is to do something for a particular reason. Unfortunately, there is no easy rules we can use on when and how to apply article; particularly with the context of “action.

  • Hi Believer, The expression is nitpicking.
  • To take action on something is to do something for a particular reason.
  • Unfortunately, there is no easy rules we can use on when and how to apply article; particularly with the context of “action.
  • Reporting to the police is the proper action anyone should take when witnessing a crime being committed.
  • Here, article is needed.
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2 Answers
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Hi Believer,

The expression is nitpicking. To take action on something is to do something for a particular reason. Unfortunately, there is no easy rules we can use on when and how to apply article; particularly with the context of “action.



Reporting to the police is the proper action anyone should take when witnessing a crime being committed. Here, artic
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Action is doing something for a particular purpose. Theoretical, about the notion. No article.


An action is something that you do on a particular ocassion. Practical, about an act. You can count them.

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