Learn English – The nature vs nature

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According to practical English usage no article is used with "nature" when it has a general meaning.In my point of view all the times that we use the word "nature" about the physical environment around us ,it some how conveys a general meaning.for example if we are explaining about a specific country that its name has already been mentioned is it ok to say:

come and See the nature,the mountains and the ocean

Or should we say:

see nature,the mountains and the ocean

I would appreciate it if some one explains when the meaning of nature is considered to be general and when it's not.

Can nature conveys a meaning that it's not general when it is used as a synonym for the world around us?!

Best Answer

Let's look at the two OED definitions of the word "nature".

  1. (mass noun) The phenomena of the physical world collectively, including plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth, as opposed to humans or human creations. Example: "nature is beautiful"

  2. The basic or inherent features, character, or qualities of something. Examples: "helping them to realize the nature of their problems", "there are a lot of other documents of that nature"

Something important to notice in the second definition is that it's always tied to an "of".

  1. The basic or inherent features, character, or qualities of something. Examples: "helping them to realize the nature of their problems", "there are a lot of other documents of that nature"

The second definition is a characteristic of another noun, whereas the first definition is a standalone noun.

So, to answer your question, your sentence should be:

Come and see nature, the mountains, and the ocean.

because "nature" is referring to the great outdoors, not a characteristic of something else.

Bonus: The phrase "the nature of nature" is legitimate English. The first "nature" is using the second definition, whereas the second "nature" is using the first definition.

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