| 词组 | no article with plural and uncountable nouns |
| 释义 | Contents overview no article with plural and uncountable nouns138 no article with plural and uncountable nouns1a/an not usedPlural and uncountable nouns (e.g. cats, wool 137.1) cannot normally be used with a/an (because a/an has a similar meaning to 'one'). Instead, we most often use no article.There were cats in every room. (not … a cats …)Doctors generally work long hours.Her coat is made of pure wool.He's got very big ears.'What's that?''I think it's salt.'2confusing nounsSome nouns that are countable in some other languages are uncountable in English (119.3 for a list).I need information and advice. (not … an information and an advice)You've made very good progress. (not … a very good progress.)And note that we never use a/an with weather or English.We're having terrible weather. (not … a terrible weather.)She speaks very good English. (not … a very good English.)3some and anyInstead of no article, we can sometimes use some or any.We met some nice Danish girls in Scotland.Have you got any matches?For details, 139.4theInstead of no article, we use the when we want to say 'You and I both know which I mean' (136). Compare:–I'm working with children. (The hearer doesn't know which ones.)How are the children? (= the hearer's children)–We need salt. (= any salt)Could you pass the salt? (The hearer can see the salt that is wanted.)But we usually use no article, not the, to talk about people, things, etc in general (140).Are dogs more intelligent than cats? (not … the dogs … the cats)Everybody likes music. (not … the music.)For expressions like a coffee, a knowledge of Spanish, 119.4, 119.6.Previous Next |
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英语用法大全包含1354条英语用法指南，基本涵盖了全部常用英文词汇及语法点的翻译及用法，是英语学习的有利工具。