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The list below is taken from Barbara Abbott's 'Definiteness and Indefiniteness.' Why do you think the is used before 'personal pronouns' but not before 'demonstrative pronouns' or 'demonstrative determiners'?

I cannot exactly reproduce her list here. If you would take the trouble of going to the actual site and see Table 1, it would be much appreciated.

Best,

Sssamy

  • NP type: Pronouns
  • More details: the personal pronouns
  • Examples: I, you, she, them
  • NP type: Demonstratives
  • More details: demonstrative pronouns; NPs with demonstrative determiners
  • Examples: This, that, this chair over here
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    I think it's simply a lack of consistency on the part of the author (as with the use of semicolons and commas in your other question). You can use or not use the in either case. – BobRodes Jan 6 '18 at 3:24
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    Thanks, Bob. Okay, it's just that inconsistency is there. I guess I was trying to read the list too precisely. – Sssamy Jan 6 '18 at 3:33
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    Understandable, given the nature of the material. I don't think the author is doing anyone any favors by being less than consistent in the way she presents her material. It's hard enough to wade through as it is! – BobRodes Jan 6 '18 at 3:38
  • I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because it is about an inconsistent piece of writing. – JavaLatte Jan 29 '18 at 3:47
  • I shall vote not to close. When someone asks a question about the meaning of a singularly opaque writing, we should not blame the questioner. – Jeff Morrow Jan 31 '18 at 5:11
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I'm going to agree with BobRodes' comment and say this is just inconsistent writing. The first list should have been just "personal pronouns". Saying "the personal pronouns" seems superfluous.

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