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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

article meaning

What is the difference between using ‘a’ and ‘the’ here?

I want a big mac sandwich.
I want the big mac sandwich.
  

Top answer

In the first one, 'a' means "one". In the second, you meant a specific sandwich by using the definite article (the).

— KhoshtipMan

  • In the first one, 'a' means "one".
  • In the second, you meant a specific sandwich by using the definite article (the).
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12 Answers
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In the first one, 'a' means "one". In the second, you meant a specific sandwich by using the definite article (the).
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KhoshtipManIn the first one, 'a' means "one". In the second, you meant a specific sandwich by using the definite article (the).
I see. Thanks a lot for your help.

Does the same apply to “I want a/the turkey sandwich”?
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AnonymousDoes the same apply to “I want a/the turkey sandwich”?
Yes.
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KhoshtipManAnonymousDoes the same apply to “I want a/the turkey sandwich”?Yes.
Great. Thank you!
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It's possible to say "I want/I'll have the turkey sandwich/". You are then thinking of a specific item on the menu. This use of the article is more likely when there are a limited number of items on the menu. You are therefore not very likely to ask for the Big Mac, because there are a lot of different meals on offer at McDonalds.
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Thanks teacher.
fivejedjonYou are therefore not very likely to ask for the Big Mac, because there are a lot of different meals on offer at McDonalds.
Why is that? I don’t get it.

But both ‘the’ and ‘a’ big mac indicate that I want one. Right?
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If there were six items on the menu, you might ask for the Big Mac, though a Big Mac would be correct and natural . If there were two or three dozen items, you'd almost certainly ask for a Big Mac.
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fivejedjonIf there were six items on the menu, you might ask for the Big Mac, though a Big Mac would be correct and natural . If there were two or three dozen items, you'd almost certainly ask for a Big Mac.
I get it now. Is there a reason for this in which I would certainly ask for ‘a big mac’ if there were dozens of items or is this just how it works?
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fivejedjonIf there were six items on the menu, you might ask for the Big Mac, though a Big Mac would be correct and natural . If there were two or three dozen items, you'd almost certainly ask for a Big Mac.
Teacher, is this distinction in addition to what KhoshtiMan mentioned earlier?

I would appreciate your confirmation on that.
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fivejedjonIf there were six items on the menu, you might ask for the Big Mac, though a Big Mac would be correct and natural . If there were two or three dozen items, you'd almost certainly ask for a Big Mac.
Hi teacher, would you please answer my last question and tell me if your distinction is in addition to what Khoshtipman pointed out!

I have been
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