1. Alex Koudrin

    Alex Koudrin New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2012
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0

    Type of article in front of terms when defining them

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Alex Koudrin, Nov 15, 2012.

    Hi,

    I'm writing a technical guide and I need to define many concepts. The problem is I don't know which article, The, A, or no article at all to use!

    For example, I have a sentence like this:

    A front pin is when the ball is pinned in front....

    but it could be:

    The front pin is when the ball is pinned in front....

    Front pin is when the ball is pinned in front....


    Or another one:

    A pull shot involves dragging of the ball ....
    The pull shot involves dragging of the ball ....
    Pull shot involves dragging of the ball ....

    I would like to be consistent and for all my terms to use something.

    Any help appreciated!

    -Alex
     
  2. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    either 'a' or 'the' will work well... but one is needed... it doesn't read well or make good sense without...

    i would use 'the' as it seems to be more appropriate to a technical guide...
     
  3. Alex Koudrin

    Alex Koudrin New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2012
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Personally I like 'a'. 'The' seems unnatural to me. Perhaps it's because most of my definitions are nouns and when defining a new one, does it really make sense to specify a particular one?

    The guide is technical, however it is aimed at general audience.

    Any other opinions?
     
  4. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    If it's a general term, use the indefinite article. If it is a unique part in an assembly (for example) use the definite article.

    A front pin is when the ball is blocked, or pinned, by...

    The face is the flat or ribbed surface on the front of the club head, which strikes the ball on a clean stroke...
     
  5. Alex Koudrin

    Alex Koudrin New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2012
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thank you for the clarification!
     
  6. Alex Koudrin

    Alex Koudrin New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2012
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Sorry a quick follow up question. When the concept is introduced, e.g. A front pin is when the ball is blocked... then how do I refer it in later sentences with a The or still with an A?
     
  7. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    It depends on context. If you refer to the instance in the abstract, use the indefinite article. However, if you refer to a particular instance, even a random selection from the abstract set, use the definite article.

    A front pin can occur because... (no specific front pin)

    If you..., the resulting front pin will be particularly... (a particular front pin has been selected by the preceding clause)

    However, there will be many cases that can be argued either way:

    A front pin caused by... (selector considered to have not narrowed to a specific instance)
    The front pin caused by... (you want to consider the selected instance as a concrete example)

    You don't have to be 100% consistent with the "either way" cases. In fact, it will probably read better if you do vary them.
     
  8. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    i must've posted before having my morning green tea!... cog is right, of course... sorry for the confusion...
     
  9. Alex Koudrin

    Alex Koudrin New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2012
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thanks for clarifying it. I had a similar feeling that it was a case-by-case basis type thing.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice