Compare generic 'the + singular' (the tiger) with zero article generics (tigers).
Plural generic: zero article + plural | Formal generic: the + singular
Do not confuse generic the with specific the; context should signal a general meaning.
Am I talking about one specific tiger, or the species as a whole?
💡 Generic 'the + singular' is common in academic writing and definitions. In everyday speech, plural zero article is often more natural for generic meaning.
✓Tigers are endangered in some regions.
✗The tigers are endangered in some regions. (generic)
Generic plural usually takes zero article.
✓The tiger is a powerful animal. (generic, formal)
The + singular can represent a whole class/species in a formal style.
✓Water is essential for life.
Uncountable generic statements use zero article.