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Dib Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Why no "the" before attention in sentences like this

Dear teachers

Why are you guys giving him attention.

Why the is not used before attention in sentences like above? Isn't attention specific here as they are talking about the attention they are giving him thus making it specific?

Thanks in advance
  

Top answer

Attention is non-count in this sentence. It is nonspecific. Here is another example: You must pay attention in class.

  • Attention is non-count in this sentence.
  • It is nonspecific.
  • Here is another example: You must pay attention in class.
  • It can be used with "the" if it is made specific (eg.
  • with a clause) The attention Jon got as a child made him a healthy, balanced adult.
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1 Answers
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Attention is non-count in this sentence. It is nonspecific. Here is another example:
You must pay attention in class.

It can be used with "the" if it is made specific (eg. with a clause)
The attention Jon got as a child made him a healthy, balanced adult.

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