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Jimin
The use of 'the' in the title of the literature (Is this sentence correctly using 'the'?) I am a graduate student for science and engineering. Evertime I write a scientific paper, it is really confusing to use 'the' in the title or in the first sentence of the paper. For example,

1. In title

the fabrication of nanowire transistors

vs. fabrication of nanowire transistors

2. In 1st sentence of paper

The direct printing of organic materials are an attractive alternative to a conventional fabrication method.

vs. direct printing of organic materials are an attractive alternative to a conventional fabrication method.

Which one is correct and why?

Thank you

Apr 9, 2018 8:08 AM
Answers · 4
1
(1) Both are reasonable English. (2) I think you are right, it is normal in such papers to use "The direct printing of ... is an attractive alternative to conventional fabrication methods." (I changed it to plural) "The direct printing of ... is an attractive alternative to any conventional fabrication method." . In the title, if "Fabrication of nanowire transistors" is the whole title, I'd also wonder whether it should have "The". . I'd have to say "convention". Many publications have strict, written standards for these sorts of things. You may be able to find the specification somewhere, if not the reason. Would this be for IEEE? They usually have brief style guides.
April 9, 2018
direct printing is an attractive <-- Singular, hence "is", not "are".
April 9, 2018
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