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I would like to know if both sentences below require the article "the" at the beginning of the sentence.

Sentence 1:

  • Total number of cases in the US has increased by 2.2%.
  • The total number of cases in the US has increased by 2.2%.

Sentence 2:

  • Ratio of deaths to the number of cases in the US is 19 to 1.
  • The ratio of deaths to the number of cases in the US is 19 to 1.

What rules of grammar do I need to consider while deciding if we need to use "the" or not with these sentences?

Clarification: These sentences are not used in headlines but in bullet points to communicate highlights of a day.

Lone Learner
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    You want to use the definite article in these sentences. – Centaurus Apr 29 '20 at 14:53
  • It doesn't make a big difference as long as the sentences read better. Sentence 1; both are correct. As for sentence 2, the second sentence is less wordy conveying the same message. – Ram Pillai Apr 29 '20 at 14:54
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    'Is this a standard sentence in script or conversation, or is it rolling text accompanying pictures on a news program?' You'd lose marks in a piece of writing for dropping the articles. – Edwin Ashworth Apr 29 '20 at 14:55
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    The version with the definite article is always correct and recommended in a piece of writing. In titles or list, however, the articles are sometimes omitted. – Jules Cocovin Apr 29 '20 at 15:01
  • @RamPillai I have updated the second question. I intended both options to be equally wordy with the sole exception of the presence or absence of the definite article. – Lone Learner Apr 29 '20 at 15:03
  • @EdwinAshworth These are short sentences being presented in email notifications. The email notifications are supposed to present the highlights of the day. – Lone Learner Apr 29 '20 at 15:07
  • In this case the article can be omitted. – Centaurus Apr 29 '20 at 15:20
  • The x of y usually requires the the. The number of cases is high. Case numbers are high. – Lambie Apr 29 '20 at 15:28
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    Does this answer your question? Headline Language You will find other relevant threads in links there. Essentially, 'Do you need to use articles in ...' usually depends on the register you're in. Emails, headlinese usually used. Jane Austen ...? – Edwin Ashworth Apr 29 '20 at 16:31
  • @JulesCocovin My sentences are being used in a list as bullet points. Considering this, are both of these okay: "Total number of cases in the US has increased by 2.2%.", "Ratio of deaths to the number of cases in the US is 19 to 1." – Lone Learner Apr 29 '20 at 19:22
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    @LoneLearner I think bullet points do not require simplification. PS. I can't remember the name of the British grammarian, but I remember his piece of advice - if you omit "the", omit it throughout the sentence. PPS. US deaths/cases ratio is 1/19. Hmm? (BTW Note that it should be 1/19 not 19/1, I guess) – Jules Cocovin Apr 29 '20 at 19:30

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