1.45 with or without determiners

Some plural nouns are most commonly used with 'the'.

• Things are much worse when the rains come.
• The authorities are concerned that the cocaine may be part of an international drug racket.
• He considered taking Mrs Burns to the pictures to see 'Gone With The Wind'.

Here is a list of plural nouns that are most commonly used with 'the':

• authorities, foundations, fruits, heavens, mains, odds, pictures, races, rains, sights, waters, wilds

Some plural nouns are most commonly used with a possessive determiner such as 'my' or 'his'.

• It offended her feelings.
• My travels up the Dalmatian coast began in Dubrovnik.
• The last thing she will do is add to her troubles.

Here is a list of plural nouns that are most commonly used with a possessive determiner:

• activities, attentions, feelings, likes, movements, reactions, terms, travels, troubles, wants

Some plural nouns are most commonly used without a determiner.

• There were one or two cases where people returned goods.
• There is only one applicant, which simplifies matters.
• Several of the men were covered in vermin.

Here is a list of plural nouns that are most commonly used without a determiner:

• airs, appearances, events, expenses, figures, goods, matters, refreshments, riches, solids, talks, vermin

Some plural nouns can be used both with or without determiners.

• The city was dominated by clergy.
• He had summoned the clergy.
• A luxury hotel was to be used as headquarters.
• General Boris Gronov arrived at his headquarters yesterday.
• We didn't want it to dampen spirits which were required to remain positive.
• Jessica has been keeping up the spirits of her family and friends.

Here is a list of plural nouns that can be used with or without a determiner:

• arms, basics, brains, clergy, costs, directions, essentials, greens, grounds, handcuffs, headquarters, interests, looks, means, morals, papers, particulars, plans, police, poultry, premises, proceeds, rates, resources, specifics, spirits, supplies, talks, thanks, tracks, troops, values