New answers tagged definite-article
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'On the table' versus 'on a little table'
You use the indefinite article to refer to a general thing, and the definite to refer to a specific thing. This is true no matter what adjectives are attached.
I'm not going to say your textbook is ...
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'On the table' versus 'on a little table'
I can offer a practical scenario to help you decide which version to use.
You phone your sister, who will be coming to the party where you are now, to ask her to bring your phone, which you left at ...
- 137k
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'On the table' versus 'on a little table'
Sample sentences:
The book is on the table. [a specific table]
The book is on a little table. [general, it could be any little table]
The book is on a table. [general]
The book is on the little table. ...
- 49k
1
vote
Accepted
Confused by using articles in the UDHR
There is nothing "formal" about the use of definite articles here. It is just the normal case of using a definite article to refer to a specified thing, but where that specification is done ...
- 12.2k
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Confused by using articles in the UDHR
... the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration
"set forth in this Declaration" specifies which rights and freedoms.
Why the definite article?
A person belongs to a country or ...
- 137k
2
votes
Accepted
Darren thought that working at the/a bank
Either option is acceptable. They mean slightly different things, but not in a way that changes much about the story:
"Darren thought that working at a bank would make John more responsible" ...
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2
votes
Accepted
the essential nature of ≪ the » family bond
The word that is being determined is "bond". There are different types of "bond" but here the speaker is specifically talking about the type of bond that is found within families. ...
- 231k
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I sing this song best / the best - is there differences in meaning?
To answer your question, no, there is no difference in meaning. However, as a general rule, I recommend using the, because there are cases where it doesn't work to omit it.
Either of these are OK, but ...
- 10k
3
votes
Accepted
I cut a carrot with <the> knife perpendicular to it
It is common to use the definite article when the situation under discussion always, or stereotypically, involves one of the things mentioned.
When painting near the ceiling, hold the brush at an ...
- 137k
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I cut a carrot with <the> knife perpendicular to it
It's all a very weird way to talk, but not an actual mistake in grammar.
It's weird because you are including details that could easily be inferred from the context. Of course, you used a knife. ...
- 231k
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Some confusion about articles
This paragraph is from Barack Obama's memoir A Promised Land, which explores his early life, political career, presidential campaign, and first term in office.
In this passage, Obama describes ...
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Some confusion about articles
When referring to generic places or organizations or activities -- things that every small town typically has -- we use the definite article: the local barber-shop, the grocery store, the Rotary ...
- 137k
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