Hela Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
use of the definite article
Dear teachers,
1) Would you please tell me why we don't use the definite article in the following phrases ?
a) Half of the country's territory is below Ø sea level.
b) While their views may seem appealing at Ø first sight, thet are unfortunately erroneous.
2) In the following sentence would you please tell me if we should use the definite or indefinite article (or both possible ?) and why ?
Many families keep pet animals like dogs. As is pointed out by some scientists, a / the dog needs a balanced diet.
Thank you very much for your help.
Hela
1) Would you please tell me why we don't use the definite article in the following phrases ?
a) Half of the country's territory is below Ø sea level.
b) While their views may seem appealing at Ø first sight, thet are unfortunately erroneous.
2) In the following sentence would you please tell me if we should use the definite or indefinite article (or both possible ?) and why ?
Many families keep pet animals like dogs. As is pointed out by some scientists, a / the dog needs a balanced diet.
Thank you very much for your help.
Hela
Top answer
There are innumerable idioms in which no article is used. "Below/above sea level" and "at first sight" are good examples. The only reason is that native speakers don't use an article in those expressions.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
0
There are innumerable idioms in which no article is used. "Below/above sea level" and "at first sight" are good examples. The only reason is that native speakers don't use an article in those expressions. An article would of course be very logical as there is only one sea level and only one first sight. We do say, for example: That was the first time I saw her
0