As an abstract noun, 'technology' shouldn't have the article 'the' (page 102)

Question

As an abstract noun, 'technology' shouldn't have the article 'the' (page 102)

David-Gil opened this issue 13 years ago · 6 comments

I know this isn't a big issue, but I think the difference it makes is significant, because it sounds much more natural. Abstract nouns don't have article in English, and thus

"I met brilliant people for whom the technology was a tool to accomplish something non-technical."

should be IMHO

"I met brilliant people for whom technology was a tool to accomplish something non-technical."

Regards,

David Gil

Answer 1 · 2012-03-21T17:34:05.000Z

Which chapter is this in?

Answer 2 · 2012-03-21T20:52:27.000Z

It's in chapter 17, Good Manners Matter, in page 102, first line of the printed book.

Answer 3 · 2012-03-21T21:31:12.000Z

Thanks!
I'm undecided here to be honest. I'll ask the author what he thinks.

Answer 4 · 2012-03-22T11:46:36.000Z

Yes, I understand you perfectly.

I just want to make a remark: is the author native-speaking? If not, let me please tell you what I would do: I would ask a native which of both is more natural. Natives know better than anyone, even when they don't know why. But that's up to you and the author. As I said, it's not a big issue.

Thanks to you

Answer 5 · 2012-03-22T14:33:33.000Z

Yes, I'm a native English speaker, although I grew up speaking British English rather than American English. Not that that makes much difference in this particular situation.

I'll need to look at the larger context, but I am also undecided. It's the difference between a particular technology, and technology as a whole, and I think that the latter is, as you say, more natural. I think I'm with you on this one.

--Rich

Answer 6 · 2012-03-25T19:25:57.000Z

Alright. Thanks guys. I'll change it then.