Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Junkomama]

1 young people in Japan in the future
2 young Japanese people in the future

Are these need "the" before them?

[asterix]

Neither is a complete sentence, so it's a bit difficult to tell.
If a complete sentence is made, such as:
Young people in Japan, in the future, will all have to join the army.
Young people in Japan, in future, will all have to join the army.
Both workbut I think in the future, means at some unspecified later date, whereas in future means "from now on".

For example your Dad might say,
"In future, you can't borrow the car on Saturday night." That means, as of now.
He might also say, "In the future you're going to have to buy your own car." That means, sometime, but not right away.

[Junkomama]

Thank you so much for your answer, asterix-san!

I just wanted to know a set of words before "in the future" or "in Japan" should be a defenite one or not.
(Sorry I can't express what I want to say properly.)

Judging from the sentences you showed me, it is indefinite, right?

Regards,
Junkomama

[Lorikeet]

[asterix]

Lorikeet, it's certainly British English, and I believe Canadian English.
But, in future, I will remember that it's not US English. Thanks!.

[asterix]

I'm not sure I have correctly understood you Junkomama, so please don't be embarrassed to ask again if I haven't answered your question.
The phrases "in future", or "in the future", are indefinite in the sense that they do not state a specific time.
"In Japan", is definite because it refers to a specific country,. but could be made more so by referring to a specific place, such as Tokyo, Sado, etc..

[Junkomama]

Thank you again for your comment, asterix-san!
What I wanted to know was the"young people" and "young Japanese people" in my first message are specific words or not.
If they are specific ones, we have to put "the" before them like "The books in my bookshelf " or "The principle of our school".
Phrases such as "in my bookshelf" or "of our school" specify the words modified by them.
So, I wanted to know if words modified by "in Japan" or "in the future" need "the" like "the young people in Japan (from now on)" or "the young Japanese people in (the) future".
Regards,
Junkomama
P.S. I'd appreciate it if you would also answer my reply to your comment on "through a year". I apologize for my impudence, but it's kind of urgent.

[asterix]

You don't need, the here before either young people in Japan or young Japanese people. They are generalisations, in that they refer to a large number of people.
You would use the definite article if you wanted to say something like:There was a crowd of young people from all over the world. The Japanese were having breakfast, the Germans were doing this, the British were doing that, and the French were singing the Marseillaise.
About your other query:-
I would say, every weekday for a year, because I was schooled in Europe where they teach British English. I know the Americans say, "Monday through Friday." but it seems strange to me, and I am not quite sure if they would use through in your example.
Perhaps CP, Lorikeet, or someone else who is familiar with US usage would care to clear it up for you.
However, you will not be wrong if you say for a year.

Please don't think it is impudent to point out my omission, or to try to improve your knowledge. That is why we're all here.

[CP]

Asterix wrote:

"I would say, every weekday for a year, because I was schooled in Europe where they teach British English. I know the Americans say, "Monday through Friday." but it seems strange to me, and I am not quite sure if they would use through in your example.
Perhaps CP, Lorikeet, or someone else who is familiar with US usage would care to clear it up for you.
However, you will not be wrong if you say for a year."

I, too, would say "every weekday for a year." If I wanted to say that it would last to the end of the year, I would probably say "every weekday through the year / throughout the year."

The Americans do say "Monday through Friday," even though "Monday to Friday" ought to work as well. The use of "through" is there to make sure the listener understands that Friday is included. Some people beat you over the head with, "Monday through Friday, inclusive." Why not go all the way with, "Monday through Friday, inclusive, and all days in between, without exception."
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[Junkomama]

Thank you very much for your kind teaching, asterix-san, CP-san!!
Please let me ask you one more question.
When you say "young people of Japan" , you also don't need "the" before it?

Regards,
Junkomama

[CP]

Usually, I think you need "the" when you talk about the young people of Japan. Not if you call them Japan's young people or young people in Japan.

"Japan's young people are trendy. Young people in Japan use a lot of slang."

And not if you are addressing them:

"Young people of Japan, unite! You have nothing to lose but your privileges!"
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[Junkomama]

Thank you very much for all your help, CP-san!!

Regards,
Junkomama