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Hi everyone -

I got an error on one of my reviews, and I am wondering if it is indeed an error. I'd love your input, please. Is this an error or not?

Here's the sentence:
It is well-written erotica with just enough plot to be engaging for the reader.

Here's what the editor gave as feedback/an error:
It is well-written erotica with just enough plot to be engaging for the reader. (a)

I think they are saying that I should have written, "It is a well-written erotica with just enough plot to be engaging for the reader."

I feel like the sentence sounds better written the way I originally wrote it, but the grammar checkers are accepting the second version as well. What do you think? Should I appeal? It's 10 points.

Thanks for your help!

I think you should request a recheck, as both versions of the sentence are correct.

I'm not the best on grammar, but I do think the editor's feedback is valid.

FunkyFlowerLady wrote: ↑05 Jan 2023, 07:50 I'm not the best on grammar, but I do think the editor's feedback is valid.

On second thought, I think editor's right, since you're only talking about one particular book - the one you had reviewed. If you were talking about more than one book then it'd be right to exclude the article 'a.'

shemedward wrote: ↑05 Jan 2023, 08:19

FunkyFlowerLady wrote: ↑05 Jan 2023, 07:50 I'm not the best on grammar, but I do think the editor's feedback is valid.

On second thought, I think editor's right, since you're only talking about one particular book - the one you had reviewed. If you were talking about more than one book then it'd be right to exclude the article 'a.'

Thanks for backing up my opinion with your intellectual knowledge haha!

Super helpful, both of you!

Emily Meadows wrote: ↑05 Jan 2023, 12:06 Super helpful, both of you!

I think both might be correct, but here is some information that proves that your way is acceptable.

The definition states that erotica is an uncountable noun. Perdue Owl states that uncountable nouns do not use indefinite articles.
Uncountable nouns never take the indefinite article (a or an), but they do take singular verbs. The is sometimes used with uncountable nouns in the same way it is used with plural countable nouns, that is, to refer to a specific object, group, or idea.
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writ ... tives.html


Definition of erotica noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
erotica noun
/ɪˈrɒtɪkə/
/ɪˈrɑːtɪkə/
[uncountable]
​books, pictures, etc. that are intended to make somebody feel sexual desire

diana lowery wrote: ↑06 Jan 2023, 07:56

Emily Meadows wrote: ↑05 Jan 2023, 12:06 Super helpful, both of you!

I think both might be correct, but here is some information that proves that your way is acceptable.

The definition states that erotica is an uncountable noun. Perdue Owl states that uncountable nouns do not use indefinite articles.
Uncountable nouns never take the indefinite article (a or an), but they do take singular verbs. The is sometimes used with uncountable nouns in the same way it is used with plural countable nouns, that is, to refer to a specific object, group, or idea.
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writ ... tives.html


Definition of erotica noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
erotica noun
/ɪˈrɒtɪkə/
/ɪˈrɑːtɪkə/
[uncountable]
​books, pictures, etc. that are intended to make somebody feel sexual desire

This is fascinating and you are amazing for finding it. Thank you Diana!

It is well-written erotica with just enough plot to keep the reader fully engaged.

Personally I think that sounds a lot better. The “a” is not necessary in this case since you are referring to a genre.

Another example that illustrates this concept:

“It is well-written fiction…”

Yes, I think you can prove your way is correct, so you should appeal it. Also even if the editor doesn't agree with you, appealing will give you an opportunity to ask for an explanation from the editor.

I think that both are correct and that the editor may be being a little too picky here. though personally, I prefer it with the addition of the "a."
 

Donna Walker 1 wrote: ↑24 Feb 2023, 12:59 I think that both are correct and that the editor may be being a little too picky here. though personally, I prefer it with the addition of the "a."
 

And here's me talking about grammar mistakes while making a silly mistake in my comment. The shame. Haha. I meant:

I think that both are correct and that the editor may be being a little too picky here. Though personally, I prefer it with the addition of the "a."