neither the oysters nor the fish

sue c.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

neither the oysters nor the fish

In the lesson it says to omit the article unless talking abot general things in which case you would keep the article. ok. But then the discussion below suggests that the article is kept for specific item ie these specific oysters and not oysters in general. I am confused please clarify further.thank you
Asked 7 years ago
Ron T.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
ni l'un ni l'autre, This appears to be a situational response. If you are discussing with friends likes and dislikes about seafood, then ni les huitres ni le poisson; however, if in a restaurant and one is given a choice of specific dishes, then ni huitres ni poisson.
sue c.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
This is what I figured but is not the impression given from the discussion following the lesson
Ron T.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
At times, it is difficult to fully understand a lesson on line and I find Laura's lessons quite useful and easy to understand. However, when I become stumped, I try other sites and here is one that I learned of through a French teacher of mine several years ago: http://laits.utexas.edu/tex/gr/neg4.html Perhaps that will be beneficial for you. Bonne chance!
sue c. asked:

neither the oysters nor the fish

In the lesson it says to omit the article unless talking abot general things in which case you would keep the article. ok. But then the discussion below suggests that the article is kept for specific item ie these specific oysters and not oysters in general. I am confused please clarify further.thank you

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