EnglishClub ESL Forums

Dear Professor,

Thanks for your reply. Just I need yo follow up.

Numbers of wild butterflies are falling as a result of changes in farming methods.

You say 'numbers of' does need the article because it means 'the number of'. OK.

You say 'changes' is general reference and does need the article. But I am confused because I think the prepositional phrase 'in farming methods' makes it specific and needs the article.

Highly appreciate your guidance.

Thanks!
Best regards
Antoine Ghannoum

You seem to be labouring under a misapprehension: the presence of a prepositional postmodifier does not automatically make the reference of a noun phrase definite (i.e. - typically - requiring a definite article.)