Snappy  +  961102 Wed, 04 Nov 09 02:08 AM I wonder if "the" is required before "power," i.e., "...in the power consumption," in the following sentence. "This machine incorporates energy-saving parts that ensure a great reduction in power consumption." The energy-saving parts reduces the power consumption of this machine. When I think of this, I feel that "the" is required but I am not confident. I would like to have native speakers' opinions. Thank you in advance. Snappy Joined on Tue, Mar 24 2009 Kobe, Japan Full Member 209 Sentences

	Yankee  +  961198 Wed, 04 Nov 09 04:36 AM Hi Snappy, Snappy “I wonder if "the" is required before "power," i.e., "...in the power consumption," in the following sentence. "This machine incorporates energy-saving parts that ensure a great reduction in power consumption." ” No, "the" is not required, and I prefer this sentence without the word "the". Snappy “The energy-saving parts reduces the power consumption of this machine. When I think of this, I feel that "the" is required but I am not confident.” Yes, I would definitely use "the" in this case. Yankee Joined on Sat, Apr 15 2006 Connecticut, USA Veteran Member 6,506 Amy "You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus." - Mark Twain Sentences