'Know Your English'

Edited Compilation of 'Know Your English' Columns from 'The Hindu'

“I work for NATO” or “I work for the NATO”?

Posted by Sunil Jose on October 8, 2009

Well known organisations like the United Nations, British Broadcasting Corporation and Federal Bureau of Investigation are usually preceded by the definite article. The article is used even when the names have been abbreviated. If the abbreviated form of an organisation can be pronounced as a word, then the article is not required. For example, NATO and OPEC are usually pronounced as a word. In such cases, the article is not required. Therefore the answer to the question is, “I work for NATO”.

The Hindu- ‘Know Your English’ Series, July 26, 2004.

3 Responses to ““I work for NATO” or “I work for the NATO”?”

  1. prachi said

    thank u so much.

  2. prachi said

    there’s no column on the side for tags/labels..pls put that up. thanks and regards.
    your site is very useful. i m preparing for cat.

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