[ 1 ] tells on p.5 that "Singular nouns denoting a class" are preceded by the definite article "THE" (Example: "The Cobra is dangerous"), while on page 7 (Table 6. THE INDEFINITE ARTICLE) it tells that "Singular countable nouns denoting a class" are preceded by indefinite articles ("An elephant never forgets").
I could not get what is the difference between the two cases mentioned.
Why can't I write according to the same rules "A Cobra never forgets" and "The elephant is dangerous"?
[ 1 ]
PRACTICAL REALISATIONS OF ENGLISH DEFINITE AND INDEFINITE ARTICLES
p.5 (of 8)
=================================
4. THE DEFINITE ARTICLE
----------------------------------
USES EXAMPLES
-----------------------------------
Singular The Cobra is dangerous
nouns
denoting
a class
=======================================
p.7 (of 8)
=================================
6. THE INDEFINITE ARTICLE
----------------------------------
USES EXAMPLES
-----------------------------------
Singular An elephant never forgets countable
countable
nouns
denoting
a class
=======================================
Update:
Irene asks:
How about the following example:
Is the happiness of the majority more important than the rights of the individual?
According to "First Certificate Language Practice" by Michael Vince this is the only way to say it. But couldn't you also say:
Is the happiness of a majority more important than the rights of an individual?
As I see it majority and individual both represent a class and an example of a class.