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[kooiu]

Please help explain why "the" before enjoyment, and why not "the" before abuse in the following statements:

Is it because one is taggable and the other is not taggable? In addition, what is usually taggable?


1. A decision has been made to ensure the enjoyment of freedom in our society.

2. A decision has been made to discourage abuse of power in government.

[RonBee]

Please help explain why "the" before enjoyment, and why not "the" before abuse in the following statements:

Is it because one is taggable and the other is not taggable? In addition, what is usually taggable?


1. A decision has been made to ensure the enjoyment of freedom in our society.

2. A decision has been made to discourage abuse of power in government.

The first example is sort of a set phrase. Examples:

the use of computers
the employment of packers
the laughter of children
the abuse of power
the enjoyment of freedom

Is that helpful?

The second example is interesting in that I would say the abuse of power by government.

~R

[kooiu]

Thank you for responding to my earlier post.

But I have not overcome the problem. I really need a clearer explanation because I do not know why there is no "the" in the following sentences

Circularity involves (no the) inclusion of optional units.

(no the) Provision of housing hindered them from focusing on other matters.


But there is "the" in the following:

Sutainable lifestyle requires "the" increase of economy and "the" rehabilitation of natural resources.

Is there anything about the type of of a verb that determines whether or not "the" is needed.

I am also confused about this expression: "It varies with type of program". Why not "It varies with the type of a program".

Please help.

[fiona bramble]

Please help explain why "the" before enjoyment, and why not "the" before abuse in the following statements:

Is it because one is taggable and the other is not taggable? In addition, what is usually taggable? Do you mean tangible?


1. A decision has been made to ensure the enjoyment of freedom in our society.

2. A decision has been made to discourage abuse of power in government.

Hi Kooiu,
To be honest, I believe that the presence or absence of "the" here is arbitrary. It is true that with an "of-phrase" modifying the noun a definite article is often used, but there is still the question of how specific or definite the "of-phrase" makes the noun, and this is what can be arbitrary. I could or would use or not use the "the" in your examples and would sound natural either way.
I can only say that #2 does seem more general and suggests any potential abuse and if I really stretch my brain, #1 seems to suggest that "the enjoyment" is already realized, but both would be correct with or without the "the".
I hope that helps
I don't believe there are any verbs that dictate article usage.

[RonBee]

Hi Kooiu,
To be honest, I believe that the presence or absence of "the" here is arbitrary. It is true that with an "of-phrase" modifying the noun a definite article is often used, but there is still the question of how specific or definite the "of-phrase" makes the noun, and this is what can be arbitrary. I could or would use or not use the "the" in your examples and would sound natural either way.
I can only say that #2 does seem more general and suggests any potential abuse and if I really stretch my brain, #1 seems to suggest that "the enjoyment" is already realized, but both would be correct with or without the "the".
I hope that helps
I don't believe there are any verbs that dictate article usage.

It is certainly true that the use of "the" is often optional. Also, explaining why it is or is not used is often as frustrating (for me, at least) as it must be for ESL learners trying to figure it out.


~R

[Super Sonic]

It is certainly true that the use of "the" is often optional. Also, explaining why it is or is not used is often as frustrating (for me, at least) as it must be for ESL learners trying to figure it out.


~R

Excuse me, but why do you put a sad smiley after your posts? I hope everything's OK. Please be happy

[Francois]

That's because Ron sympathises with us when he considers how fun it is to learn these kinds of "unexplainable" rules