"The" article

planetypus · Mon Dec 04, 2006 14:52 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!
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Mister Micawber · Mon Dec 04, 2006 15:22 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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who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber

Tom · Mon Dec 04, 2006 20:59 pm *"The" article*

Sorry, but I am terribly baffled! Shocked

Mister Micawber · Tue Dec 05, 2006 4:30 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.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber

planetypus · Tue Dec 05, 2006 14:14 pm *Thank you*

Mister Micawber,

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

(How do you pronounce your Micawber?)
_________________
"If you can't be a pine on top of a hill, be a shrub in the valley."

Tom · Tue Dec 05, 2006 14:17 pm *"The" article*

planetypus · Tue Dec 05, 2006 14:18 pm *"The" article*

thanks
_________________
"If you can't be a pine on top of a hill, be a shrub in the valley."

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