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Omission of articles

Posted by Beatrix · August 5, 2009 · 10 replies

Hello, I think this question bothers everybody who doesn't have articles in his/her mother tongue: we learn that all countable nouns must have an article before them, but I've run across many examples where there are none (and by this rule, should be). They are not just "fixed phrases" (that being the possible explanation)

One example from the leaflet I am holding in my hands right now:

"More about excursions find out on internet page www.....blah"

Shouldn't be an article there, in front of "internet page" (thanks a lot in advance, guys 🙂!)

10 Replies

Mikepass

Beatrix wrote:
"More about excursions find out on internet page www.....blah"

Don't just worry about the article, Beatrix, that whole sentence is a mess. It should read something like, To find out more about excursions, see www....Blah.

Beatrix OP

thanks! so it's just a bad translation. and I can assume that it is a strict rule, right (about the articles)

Mikepass

I would say it is a bad translation. The rule is fairly strict, that is as strict as any rule in English can be. Remember, there are always exceptions to rules in English. Here are some links that may help.

OWL at Purdue University: Count and NonCount Nouns (with Articles and Adjectives)

articles and countable nouns exceptions - Google Search

http://www3.uark.edu/qwct/resources/handouts/32%20Grammar%20Articles.pdf

I hope these help.

Beatrix OP

I'll surely check them out. thanks a lot 🙂

what do you say about my english, pretty awkward or close to what it should be?

Mikepass

Glad I could help. As for your English, very easy to understand and it flows very well from small amount that I have read. Good luck with it.

Beatrix OP

LOL I'm a CELTA teacher so it should be good thanks a lot Mike

Beatrix OP

LOL I'm a CELTA teacher so it should be good
thanks a lot Mike

mesmark

Beatrix wrote:what do you say about my english, pretty awkward or close to what it should be?

I thought you were a native speaker until you told us you weren't (long ago some where.)

Beatrix OP

I can't quite believe that but thanks mark 🙂

Beatrix OP

I've thought of another example (weird though😃)
my CELTA tutor told me not to talk to board