Could you please check these sentences?

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Alex+  #469740  Mon, 28 Jan 08 01:29 PM
Could you please check these sentences? Do they sound right? Is the article "the" needed before the first nouns?

(The) Egg whites, used for beating, must be well chilled.

(The) Meat that is used for preparing steaks must be child, not frozen.

  
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Grammar Geek  #469759  Mon, 28 Jan 08 02:36 PM

Articles are difficult. If you are talking about a specific recipe, and therefore specific egg whites, then use the artciles.

As in: Note: The egg whites should be chilled before beating.

If you are talking about general cooking hints, then don't use the article. It's a "universal truth" - Egg white should be chilled before beating.

Your second example is just a bit odd all the way around. The meat is the steak. The steak is the meat. So to say the meat that's prepared for steaks is not logical to me. (Also, chilled, not child.) However, the same thing applies. If you're following a specific recipe, then use "the." Take the meat from the refrigerator and allow to rest for ten minute before...

If you're giving general guidance, the don't use articles. When preparing steaks for grilling...

  
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Alex+  #469775  Mon, 28 Jan 08 03:23 PM
Thank you very much for your reply. Can I ask you once more? My sentences are a "universal truth". I need to write a few sentences exactly with a structure like in the following sentence. Are they correct?

1. Egg whites, used for beating, must be well chilled.
2. Wood, used for producing parquet, must be well-dried.
3. Milk, used for preparing children's food, must be boiled or sterilized before.
  
Feebs11  #469778  Mon, 28 Jan 08 03:35 PM
. 3. Milk, used for preparing children's food, must be boiled or sterilized before use/first.

Otherwise the sentences  are fine.
  
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Alex+  #469813  Mon, 28 Jan 08 05:19 PM
Thank you very much for your help.
  
Grammar Geek  #469828  Mon, 28 Jan 08 05:52 PM

Also, there is no need for the commas in the middle of your sentences.

  
khoff  #469830  Mon, 28 Jan 08 06:02 PM

By the way  -- most cookbooks recommend bringing egg whites to room temperature before beating.

  
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