ABSTRACT NOUNS
§ 8. When abstract nouns are used in a general sense, no article is used. While there is life there is hope. § 9. When abstract nouns are modified by a particularizing attribute or when the situation makes the idea definite, they are used with the definite article. He (Cowperwood) was the courage and force of his father, the spirit and opportunity of his brothers, the hope of his children, the dignity and significance of the Cowperwood name. (Dreiser) Last night I heard Carmen and enjoyed the music. Note 1. It should be borne in mind that abstract nouns modified by an attribute in pre-position are used without articles unless they are modified by particularizing attributes: English literature, Russian arty Spanish music. Note 2. The abstract noun weather is never used with the indefinite article. What fine weather! It is burning weather. (Ch. Bronte) When the noun weather is used in a general sense, the definite article is used. There are people who say that the weather can influence people's mood. (Bennett) §10. Abstract nouns can be used with the indefinite article. In this case the abstract noun denotes a certain kind (оттенок) of a quality, feeling, state, etc. The noun nearly always has a descriptive attribute. How clever you are, Mr. Hopper. You have a cleverness quite of your own. (Wilde) In her eyes there was an eagerness, which could hardly be seen without delight. (Austen) (On the use of articles with countable abstract nouns see note on page 37.) §11. The indefinite article is used with the nouns period, population, distance, height, salary etc. followed by of + numeral + noun. Simpson was out of the city for a period of ten days. (Dreiser)
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