Harper's Writing Center: Article2

Articles
Level I: Generalization or Not?

When making a generalization about a noun, do not use an article or another noun modifier with a noncount noun or plural count noun.

Example:: Incorrect: In Arizona, the sky is always full of the stars.; Correct: In Arizona, the sky is always full of stars.

In this example, stars is used as a plural count noun. Stars does not refer to any particular stars. The writer is making a generalization about all those bright objects up in the sky at night; therefore, the example should not include the word the.

To determine if the noun is being used in a general sense, the following hints are useful:

Look for adverbs of frequency such as always, often, generally, usually, frequently, etc.: Adverbs of frequency are often used in sentences describing habitual behavior or actions...a sign of generalizations.

Sentences making generalizations are often writen in the present tense.

A noun that can be modified by the word most without changing the meaning of the

sentence is probably being used to make a generalization.

Example:

Compared to a decade ago, computers are quite inexpensive.

Compared to a decade ago, most computers are quite inexpensive.

In the previous example, adding the word most to the sentence does not significantly alter the meaning of the sentence; therefore, it can be assumed that the sentence is a generalization.

A noun used to make a generalization is not usually restricted by descriptive words

following the noun.

Example:: Kittens are very playful.; The kittens at the pet store are very playful.

The first sentence in the example is a generalization about all kittens. The second sentence is referring only to the kittens at the pet store. Since the reference in the second sentence is to a group of particular kittens (only the kittens at the pet store) the definite article the must be used.

Remember: If a generalization is being made, using the indefinite articles a, an, or some is probably inappropriate.

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Articles Level I: Generalization or Not?

Articles
Level I: Generalization or Not?