So I have been confused with the use of the definite article when I write.
Here is an example from one of the English tests
Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that
the circumstances of an individual crime
, andthe motivation for committing it
, should always be taken into account when deciding onthe punishments
.
Let me explain why this is confusing me. First, I think the article should not be used because those circumstances
and motivation
are general. it refers to circumstances of every individual crime. Those circumstances were not mentioned before and not unique. They can be any circumstances. Also, motivation does not sound unique either as well as punishments
.
Why do they have the article? shouldn't they just be used without 'the'?
argue that *a* circumstance of an individual crime
or because you think it should beargue that *circumstances* of an individual crime
?