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August 23, 2023
When 'the + singular noun' refers to PLURAL NOUNS
Look at the sentences below. What's different?
- The tiger is in danger of becoming extinct.
- Tigers are in danger of becoming extinct.
Both are correct and the meaning is exactly the same.
So why use 'the + singular noun'?
You can use a the + singular noun ('The tiger') to refer to a plural noun ('Tigers'). [It's called the 'generic singular'. It's arguably more formal].
Here's another example
- The heart pumps blood around the body. (= Hearts pump blood around bodies.)
- The mobile phone has changed the way we communicate. (= Mobile phones have changed...)
And sometimes ‘the’ is used to generalize a group/whole class (the + adjective)
- The French enjoy wine (= French people enjoy wine)
- The elderly need special attention. (= Elderly people need special attention)
- She donated money to the poor. (= She donated money to poor people)
What's best for IELTS Writing?
I think it's safer to use plural nouns when you're referring to general things.
Look at the 'Before' and 'After' taken from a student's essay about mobile phones.
I've replaced all the singular nouns (in yellow) with plural nouns:
Thanks for your feedback