The use of generic "the" and its alternatives "0" and "a(n)" is investigated at a range of discourse levels in a series of articles from "Scientific American." Generic "the" was found to occur less frequently than generic "0" but much more frequently than generic "a(n)." (Author/LMO)

Presents a study of technical lexical structures with the aim of assisting students of English as a Second Language in processing and deciphering the lexico-grammatical realization of technology in the field of plastics. The analysis aims to show that technical terminology is closely related to grammar, and that technical lexis and grammar should…