08.11.2022

 https://www.englishpage.com/gerunds/gerunds_infinitives_24.htm

USE 15

Do not use articles when generalizing about uncountable nouns and plural countable nouns.

Examples:

• Curiosity is a great trait. Uncountable
• Water is an important resource. Uncountable
• Vegetables are good for you. Plural countable

USE 16

English speakers often use THE plus a singular noun when they talk about or make generalizations about certain topics, including:

• musical instruments (the piano, the guitar, the flute)
• plants (the coconut palm, the saguaro, the baobab)
• animals (the leopard, the elephant, the lowland gorilla)
• inventions (the steam engine, the plane, the light bulb)
• currencies (the dollar, the euro, the yen)
• body parts (the head, the eye, the ear)

Examples:

• I play the piano.
• The sequoia tree is native to California.
• The dolphin is a very intelligent animal.
• The Wright brothers invented the airplane.
• Right now, the euro is stronger than the dollar.
• Cheryl got poked in the eye.

In general, English speakers choose to use THE in this way to give the noun a more abstract or conceptual sound. We choose to say "the piano" to make it sound more like an abstract art form. Similarly, "the dolphin" sounds more like we are referring to the species. Moreover, "the plane" has a more conceptual sound that conveys the idea of invention. But remember, you can also make generalizations about these topics using plurals as in USE 15.

USE 17

The expressions "a few" and "a little" mean "some" and express the idea that you have more than expected.

Examples:

• He always carries a few dollars for emergencies.
• He had a little difficulty with his homework.
• She has a few friends who can help her move.

HOWEVER: The expressions "few" and "little" (without an article) mean "not much" and express the idea that you have less than expected.

Examples:

• Unfortunately, I had little time to enjoy New York because I had to work so much.
• Sadly, he has few people in his life.
• They have little money, so their daughter cannot pay her tuition.

BUT REMEMBER: When the words "only" or "just" are used, "a few" and "a little" also emphasize the meaning "not much".

Examples:

• Unfortunately, I only had a little time to enjoy New York because I had to work so much.
• Sadly, he just has a few people in his life.
• They only have a little money, so their daughter cannot pay her tuition.

https://www.englishpage.com/articles/articles_14.htm