The use of article with Abstract Nouns

The use of the article with Nouns of Materials.

With nouns of materials used in a general sense no article is used.
e.g. Oh, 1 don't like tea, I'll have lemonade instead.

When a definite part of the substance is meant (when the noun is modified by a limiting attribute or is made definite by the situation) the definite article is used.

e.g. Rosa tasted the wine. It was harsh but refreshing.

When an indefinite part of the substance is meant, some is used.

e.g. Oh, have some champagne. I quite forgot to offer you any, or would you rather have some lea?

NOTE. There are a few collective nouns denoting a group of objects thought of as a whole. Among them are furniture, equipment, machinery, silverware, table silver, chinaware (china), luggage, baggage (Am E), etc. These nouns follow the rules of the use of the articles for names of materials.
e.g. She hoped she would save enough money to buy new furniture.
The ruminire they had was enough for a much bigger house.

Sometimes owing to a change in meaning nouns of materials become
countable and they are used with articles according to the general use.
Names of materials become countable nouns in the following cases:

♦ when various sorts of food products and materials are meant;
e.g. They don't sell good coffees in the shop any longer.

♦ when the portion of food or drink is meant;

e.g. Simon ordered two beers for us and a coke and an"ice for Kitty.

When abstract nouns are used in general sense, no article is used.
e.g. We both appreciate simplicity.

When abstract nouns are modified by a limiting attribute or when the situation makes the idea definite, the definite article is used.

e.g. He spoke.with the awkwardness of a man unused to words.

NOTE. Abstract nouns modified by an attribute in pre-position are used without articles unless they are modified by a limiting attribute.

e.g. They talked about modern French poetry.

Alice knew nothing of the American literature of that period.

When abstract nouns are modified by a descriptive attribute the indefinite
article is used.

e.g. There seemed to be a wonderful excitement everywhere in the world.

After the words quite, such, rather and the exclamatory what (in
exclamatory sentences) abstract nouns are used with the indefinite article.
e.g. It is such a pleasure to see vou!

They stop and interchange a rather heated look.

NOTE. Remember the nouns that are never used with the indefinite article

They are: advice, admiration, assistance, information, progress, news, fun, luck, money, weather, nature, health, work and some others.
e.g. What nasty weather we are having today!

Some people say that no news is good news.

Your friend is great fun.

Oh, this is not friendly advice.

The indefinite article is used with the nouns period, population, distance, height, salary, etc., followed by of+ numeral+noun:

e.g. London has a population of about 11 million people.

Дата добавления: 2017-01-14