[Grammar] Article

[Raychan]

Hi Everyone,
This is my first time to post my question here.
I sometimes have troubles with whether I should use, "a/an" or "the" or no article.

The following is the news in Japan. "Progress" in pink is a noun and refers to the particular progress. Right? Why doesn't " Progress" need "the?"
Or doesn't it matter?

Thank you.
Raychan


BEIJING--In the end, a disgruntled Chinese factory worker was
apparently responsible for a food scare over imported frozen gyoza
dumplings from China that threatened to derail Japan-China relations
at one point.
Officials of the Public Security Ministry in Beijing held a news
conference Sunday attended by reporters from TV Asahi Corp. and other
Japanese media to explain progress in the two-year investigation after
Chinese police announced the arrest of a 35-year-old man in the case.

 

[tedtmc]

not a teacher

IMO, 'progress' in the context could be used with or without 'the' in front since it could mean 'progress in general' or a particular progress'.

 

[billmcd]

As an abstract noun and as a first reference in the article you presented, "the" would not be necessary. A more likely use of "the" with "progress" (but not necessary either) would be if the press release continued with a second reference and mention of specific information about progress. For example, "The progress included results of analysis gathered and review of surveillance video that identified (name) in the case."

 

[Raychan]

As an abstract noun and as a first reference in the article you presented, "the" would not be necessary. A more likely use of "the" with "progress" (but not necessary either) would be if the press release continued with a second reference and mention of specific information about progress. For example, "The progress included results of analysis gathered and review of surveillance video that identified (name) in the case."[/QUOTE
Bill and Ted, Thank you so much to respond to my question. I think this is the right place to respond to you. I think I got it. Since there is no reference to the particular progress it doesn't need "the." I see. I teach English in Japan but I am not a native speaker. I may ask you a lot of questions from now on.
Thank you.