Scientific Writing for Computer Science Students - FTP Directory ...

44 CHAPTER 4. GRAMMAR WITH STYLE NOTES4.4.3 HintsA better decision tree for articles:Noun type(in the context)countableuncountableDefinite?Definite?noyesnoyesNumber?theno articlethesingularplurala/anno articleWhen a noun can be used as a countable or an uncountable conceptThe use of articles depends on the concept which is meant in the currentcontext. For example, word memory can have at least three meanings:1. The store of things learnt or the power or process of recalling (in ourbrains) → generally uncountable. ”Memory can be divided into twoclasses: short-term memory and long-term memory. The short-termmemory...” However, you can say: ”I have a good memory”.2. The object of recall → countable. ”My earliest memories”3. The capacity of a computer to store information → uncountable. Inthe cs context, you can suppose it as a known concept and use articlethe (always?). ”The data is loaded into the main memory”Time is another word which can be used in different ways. It can mean alimited period or interval, an indefinite period or duration, or it can expressan occasion of repeated actions. In addition, it occurs in several phrases. Bydefault, time is uncountable (either no article or article ”the”).