View Single Post
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 06-Nov-2007, 13:13
joham joham is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Country: China
Posts: 449
Current Location: Fuzhou
First Language: Chinese
Thanks: 557
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
joham is on a distinguished road
Default word or the word?

All these sentences come from MACMILLAN, LANGMAN AND OXFORD:
1. He sent word by an army messenger that they had arrived in Jakarta.
2. Word of the incident spread quickly.
3. Word/ Rumour/ Legend has it that her husband is not the father of the child.
4. The word is that the two companies are planning a merger.
5. spread/ pass the word: Health officials are encouraging people to spread the word about the benefits of exercise.
6. send/ bring word: The mayor sent word he'd be late.

Dear sir, could you tell me why some sentences are with word, others are with the word? Is there a rule for the use of "word" which means information or news?

Last edited by joham; 14-Nov-2007 at 06:51. Reason: A post a week ago, can anyone help?
Reply With Quote