I have found this site useful for learning English. You are doing a great job.
I am still not clear which rules support the use of “the” in the following opening, first-mentioned sentences: Is it that the nouns with “the” are attribute-nouns (like “the brightness of stars”) or what? I was once told that “the” is for the object of-phrase nouns.
I applied this to “The omission of a verb in the first sentence of an essay turns the reader off”. I later learned that this is incorrect.
I was told that the correct way to express the above statement is: “Omission of a verb in the first sentence of an essay turns the reader off”.
The question I have been unable to answer is “WHY”? Is “omission” the object of of the"of-phrase"? Must every object of an “of-phrase” takes on “the”?
My problems have increased each time I came across words like “the growth of books” the introduction of programmes", “the adoption of ideas” I do not know why “the” was used before these words. Please explain along with the following.
The events are the result of particular historical conditions.
The events are a result of particular historical conditions.
An introduction of new methods is good for our society.
Introduction of new methods is good for our society.
The introduction of new methods is good for our society.
His action led to the distortion of societal values.
HIs action led to a distortion of societal values.
His action led to distortion of societal values.
Thank you.