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Articles and Abstract Nouns

Simply click on a word or phrase you think is incorrect and a box will open so you can correct it. If you choose a word or phrase without an error, you will lose points.

Abstract nouns that are not qualified do not take a definite article in English. Use zero article instead.
INCORRECT: The love is a powerful emotion.
CORRECT: Love is a powerful emotion.


Abstract nouns are qualified by a defining relative or by the preposition of + noun phrase. Examples: 'the happiness (that) I felt...' and 'the education (that) I received...' or 'the liberty of nations'.

INCORRECT: Happiness that I felt as a child was as profound as unhappiness that I feel now.
CORRECT: The happiness that I felt as a child was as profound as the unhappiness that I feel now.
changes slowly, but it does change over . that existed during Biblical times was very different to that we all know today. is a big part of everything we do nowadays. Also, was not as common in stories and songs. Furthermore, I don't think I feel for you would have been acceptable back then. It would have been forbidden or irrelevant. Even living and working during Biblical times would have preferred to spend their time celebrating rather than .
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