#1. Whenabstractnounsareusedina general sense, no article is used. While there is life there is hope. #2. When abstract nouns are modified by a particularizing attribute or when the situation makes the idea definite, they are used with the definite article. He (Cowperwood) was the courage and force of his father, the spirit and opportunity of his brothers, the hope of his children, the dignity and significance of the Cowperwood name. (Dreiser) Last night I heard Carmen and enjoyed the music. N o t e 1. — It should be borne in mind that abstract nouns modified by an attribute in [...]