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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Women and children

Hello,

I saw this in a short story:

"The captain of the ship wanted to make sure that women and children got off the ship first".

Why no article before "women and children"? I thought one was necessary? THE women and children on the ship. Or is this optional in this case? Thank you.
  

Top answer

There is a generally accepted principle that 'Women and children get off a sinking ship first'. The writer of you sentence was probably quoting this principle.

— Clive

  • There is a generally accepted principle that 'Women and children get off a sinking ship first'.
  • The writer of you sentence was probably quoting this principle.
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6 Answers
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There is a generally accepted principle that 'Women and children get off a sinking ship first'.
The writer of you sentence was probably quoting this principle.
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CliveThree is a generally accepted principle that 'Women and children get off a sinking ship first'.TThe writer of you sentence was probably quoting this principle.
Thanks, Clive. Is it correct for a captain to say, "Dear passengers, please allow women and children to leave the ship first"? without the article?
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Yes.

But in an emergency a captain is unlikely to speak so politely.
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Right, of course! Thank you. Emotion: smile I just wanted to make sure the article could be dropped. Thank you for confirming.
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Anonymousmake sure that women and children got off the ship first
any woman or child (on the ship)
Anonymousmake sure that the women and children got off the ship first
those particular women and children (who were on the ship)
_____________

The situation is very restricted; the unive
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CalifJimThe situation is very restricted; the universe of discourse is only the people on that ship. Therefore, as you can easily see, both versions refer to the exact same people.
Yes, I can see that now. Thank you! This is extremely helpful. Thanks for taking the time to explain.
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