[Grammar] Generalisations with definite/indefinite articles

[Isobela]

Hi,
Could someone please help me understand the following questions about articles and generalizations?
Firstly, when I am to write an essay/thesis that, for example, covers something about school environment, can I refer to children and teachers as “the child” and “the teacher” in the essay or should it be “a child” and “a teacher” – when speaking in general?
For example – The child needs the teacher to reflect on their individual needs. (talking here about all children in general) Is that correct? Or the indefinite article can be also used here?
And secondly, and this is my long-term struggle, what is the correct form of usage in the following phrases? Again, the phrases should refer to general topics, as if in an essay.
The preoperative preparation of the operating room
The preoperative preparation of operating room
Preoperative preparation of the operating room
or
Usage of social network
The usage of the social network
The usage of a social network

I would be very grateful if someone could illuminate these questions for me!

 

[Raymott]

can I refer to children and teachers as “the child” and “the teacher” in the essay or should it be “a child” and “a teacher” – when speaking in general? Yes.
For example – The child needs the teacher to reflect on their individual needs. (talking here about all children in general) Is that correct? Or the indefinite article can be also used here? You can use either. But be consistent. I'd probably use "the".
And secondly, and this is my long-term struggle, what is the correct form of usage in the following phrases? Again, the phrases should refer to general topics, as if in an essay.
The preoperative preparation of the operating room <= This one
The preoperative preparation of operating room No
Preoperative preparation of the operating room Possible
or
Usage of social network No
The usage of the social network Maybe
The usage of a social network Maybe
I would be very grateful if someone could illuminate these questions for me!

If you have a certain social network in mind: "The usage of a/the social network."
If it's general: "The usage of social networks."
You can't talk about "the social network" as you can "the operating room", because there are so many social networks and they are very different.

 

[Isobela]

Thank you, Raymott. So, to make sure I understand it correctly, there can be different social networks, but there can be only one operating room when I talk about operating rooms in general (in an essay)? But this is only because I am speaking in general, right? If I was to say that “Her brother lies in an operating room.” that’s also possible, isn’t it?
What about „the preoperative preparation of an operating room“? I guess this is the same as “the preoperative preparation of the operating room”. ?
And the phrase “preoperative preparation” when standing alone need not the definite article?
And finally, what if there are adjectives modifying the noun, is there the definite article?
“The thorough and proper preoperative care of a/the patient” (btw. can both a/the be used here?)
“The thorough and proper preoperative preparation of the operating room” - this is a crazy phrase J
I know it’s a lot of questions, but this is really a confusing topic for a non-native speaker.
Thank you!

 

[Raymott]

It's difficult to answer all of your questions, because context is important. Headings and topic lines aren't always grammatical.
All of your "operating room" examples are correct. I wouldn't use 'a' patient. You're talking about the generalised patient.
In many cases, there are choice. Generally, though, for headings, you can't go far wrong using "the" routinely.

 

[Isobela]

Thank you very much for your helpful comments. I cannot say I understand it completely, but some things are much more clear to me now!