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Alexanndra Posted 23 years ago
Grammar

Articles drive me crazy!

The other day I explained the difference between definite and indefinite articles to a student, saying that "the" was specific (ex. the dog barked) and "a, an" non-specifc (eg. I want a dog). So, the next day he made a comment like "My car got stuck in the puddle", and I corrected him saying "your car got stuck in a puddle". He said no, "the" puddle, because it was a specific puddle that he got stuck in, not just any puddle. His reasoning sounded good to me, so why is it "a" instead of "the"? Help!!!
  

Top answer

I suggest that "a" is correct since your student had not yet introduced the puddle to you. One should not use "the" unless it is understood by both people what the specific thing is. " "I got stuck in the puddle on 5th.

— Ryan smith

  • I suggest that "a" is correct since your student had not yet introduced the puddle to you.
  • One should not use "the" unless it is understood by both people what the specific thing is.
  • " "I got stuck in the puddle on 5th.
  • " = "This is a gun.
  • " Anyway, by your student's logic, the statement "I want the dog" is vaild as it's not just any dog.
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24 Answers
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I suggest that "a" is correct since your student had not yet introduced the puddle to you.

One should not use "the" unless it is understood by both people what the specific thing is.

"I got stuck in a puddle."
"How deep was the puddle?"

"I got stuck in the puddle on 5th. You know, the one that they tried to fix last year."

"This is the gun that I'm goi
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...VERY WELL PUT, Ryan!!!

Your post cleared up a problem with articles that I didn't even know I had! Emotion: smile
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Alex, ( I guess you are a man )Emotion: smile

Since I am only talking to you, so clear to the rest of others, why I still said ' a ' man
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Why thank you stevie_b. I'm glad that you found it useful.
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Thank you, Ryan!!! I'm am so glad I found this site and so amazed there are so many people willing to answer! I've been living in Mexico for almost 9 years now, and truthfully, my English has gotten pretty rusty and I'm often unsure if what I or my student has said is correct or not! You will definately see more of me here! Thanks again!
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Thank you WHL, but I am the WOMAN who is also a teacher! Emotion: smile
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I've made ' a ' poor guess. Emotion: stick out tongue
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Is it the only one you have made?
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Not limited to guessing the gender of a participant. I made guesses on some answers that might be wrong.
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I wonder what they are.
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