it suddenly struck me

[panicmonger]

The sentences below suddenly struck me.

1. I would always tremble with (the) fear of heights when I was a child. But, now I am a grown-up, I have no the fear of heights any more.

If we compare the above with another sentence,

2. I trembled with the fear of heights when I stood on the cliff edge yesterday.

I would say the first "the" is optional in No.1, whereas the "the" in No.2 is not.

This is what I am thinking, but I am not sure if I am right.
Do you have the same opinion as mine?
Thank you for your help.

 

[bhaisahab]

"#

The sentences below suddenly str"1 it suck me.

1. I would always tremble with (the) fear of heights when I was a child. But, now I am a grown-up, I have no the fear of heights any more.

If we compare the above with another sentence,

2. I trembled with the fear of heights when I stood on the cliff edge yesterday.

I would say the first "the" is optional in No.1, whereas the "the" in No.2 is not.

This is what I am thinking, but I am not sure if I am right.
Do you have the same opinion as mine?
Thank you for your help.

"The" is not necessary in either 1 or 2. In the second sentence of #1 it is wrong.

 

[panicmonger]

"#
"The" is not necessary in either 1 or 2. In the second sentence of #1 it is wrong.

Thank you, bhaisahab.

Are the following what you are trying to say?

1. I would always tremble with (a) fear of heights when I was a child. But, now I am a grown-up, I have no [STRIKE]the [/STRIKE]fear of heights any more.

2. I trembled with (a) fear of heights when I stood on the cliff edge yesterday.

Your answer has guided me to a better understanding of the articles.

The 2 fears of heights above are just the same as the 2 fears of heights below.

I have (a) fear of heights.
I had (a) fear of heights when I was a child.

"of heights" defines a type of fear, but is not specific enough to have to use "the".

Is it what you are trying to tell me?
Thank you.