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"The" article



 
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ESL Forum | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
Meaning of "Relation of PP o brim" | Definition of "close'
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"The" article #1 (permalink) Mon Dec 04, 2006 13:52 pm   "The" article
 

I think both of the following sentences are correct:

Cow is a useful animal.
The cow is a useful animal.

If so, what is/are the difference(s) between the two sentences?

I guess the meaning changes when we use the. Like, the first sentence could mean that all cows, in general, are useful (including the sickly). But the second sentence could mean that that specific cow I, and the person spoken to, know is useful.

I want to hear your opinion. Thanks a lot!
Planetypus
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"The" article #2 (permalink) Mon Dec 04, 2006 14:22 pm   "The" article
 

.
Only your second sentence is correct. A singular countable noun must be fronted by an article, a demonstrative, or a possessive adjective.

The cow refers to all cows (or you can simply use 'Cows') unless the context indicates a specific beast or mentions it previously.
.
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"The" article #3 (permalink) Mon Dec 04, 2006 19:59 pm   "The" article
 

Sorry, but I am terribly baffled! :shock:

Mister Micawber wrote:
A singular countable noun must be fronted by an article, a demonstrative, or a possessive adjective


Alan wrote:
Apple is a type of fruit.

Expression: Rice crop needs heat to ripen
http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic14671.html

Could you please explain to me why 'cow' must take an article and 'apple' can go without it?

Waiting impatiently!

Tom
Tom
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Joined: 30 May 2006
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"The" article #4 (permalink) Tue Dec 05, 2006 3:30 am   "The" article
 

.
I have not read that thread, Tom, but I can only think that Alan was considering 'apple' as a substance or a word per se. In the latter case, 'apple' would better appear in quotes or italics:

'Apple' is a kind of fruit.

My opinion remains unbowed: singular countable nouns must be modified by an article, a demonstrative, or a possessive:

The apple is a noble fruit.
This apple is a noble fruit.
John's apple is a nobel fruit
.
.
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Thank you #5 (permalink) Tue Dec 05, 2006 13:14 pm   Thank you
 

Mister Micawber,

Thanks a lot. Your response makes a lot of sense to me.

(How do you pronounce your Micawber?)
Planetypus
I'm new here and I like it ;-)


Joined: 16 Oct 2006
Posts: 25
Location: South Korea

"The" article #6 (permalink) Tue Dec 05, 2006 13:17 pm   "The" article
 

Quote:
(How do you pronounce your Micawber?)


See:

Me-Kaw- Ber

The first rhymes with he
The second rhymes with saw
The third rhymes with fur

Tom
Tom
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Joined: 30 May 2006
Posts: 2103

"The" article #7 (permalink) Tue Dec 05, 2006 13:18 pm   "The" article
 

thanks
Planetypus
I'm new here and I like it ;-)


Joined: 16 Oct 2006
Posts: 25
Location: South Korea

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