English
Pronunciation and Grammar: Speak Method|
Though
Internet grocery stores did not enjoy success in the 1990's, they are
making a comeback now. Safeway.com reports that business has doubled in
the last two years. Industry experts say that it is no longer a
question of whether or not online groceries will be successful, but of
how large they will become. They may only appeal to people in large
population centers where the avoidance of a commute can save
significant time. This can make up for the lost ability to choose one's
own produce. Many consumers reject online groceries for that reason
alone, even though the grocers have an interest in choosing the best
possible produce for each customer. |
|
|
| Phrase |
Rule |
| the 1990's |
use "the" with the name of a year or decade |
| the last 2 years |
use "the" with "next" or "last" with a number of years (do not use if referring to current next or last years) |
| the avoidance of a commute |
use "the" when a noun becomes specific because of a phrase that comes afterward |
| the ability to choose |
use "the" when a noun becomes specific because of a phrase that comes afterward |
| the best |
use "the" with superlatives, as in "best" and "worst" |
| a question of |
use "a" in this phrase |
| an interest in |
use "an" in this phrase in which "interest" means "business interest" or "share" |
| many consumers reject online groceries |
do not use "the" with plural nouns that are general (not specific) |
Back to English Pronunciation News