eeshu
Member
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2011
- Member Type
- Interested in Language
- Native Language
- Chinese
- Home Country
- China
- Current Location
- China
A book editor changed the heading ‘Skimming for the gist’ to ‘Skimming for gist’ in reviewing my book draft. I looked up "gist" in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (8th edition) and found the following information:
(usually the gist) [singular]~ (of sth)
the main or general meaning of a piece of writing, a speech or a conversation
▶to get (= understand) the gist of an argument
▶I missed the beginning of the lecture—can you give me the gist of what he said?
▶I'm afraid I don't quite follow your gist (= what you really mean).
▶Students are taught the skills of reading and listening for gist.
Can anyone explain why only in "read/listen for gist" the article is unacceptable?
(usually the gist) [singular]~ (of sth)
the main or general meaning of a piece of writing, a speech or a conversation
▶to get (= understand) the gist of an argument
▶I missed the beginning of the lecture—can you give me the gist of what he said?
▶I'm afraid I don't quite follow your gist (= what you really mean).
▶Students are taught the skills of reading and listening for gist.
Can anyone explain why only in "read/listen for gist" the article is unacceptable?