Articles: [The/an] Enigmatic smile on her face was the only answer to my question.

Question

Hello.Today I saw the sentence below in my program to learn English and it made me wondering in which context might I say this (with a definite article before 'enigmatic'). Do you have some ideas?The enigmatic smile on her face was the only answer to my question.For me, the most natural article for 'enigmatic' in this sentence is an indefinite article. Sample context that comes to my mind:Yesterday I met my friend Kate. We talked for an hour and I asked her if she was married. An enigmatic smile on her face was the only answer to my question.Is it correct in this context?

GPY · Accepted Answer

Both articles are possible. There is a subtle difference in feel, but no real tangible difference in meaning.

Reegis · Answer

This is interesting...

GPY · Answer

ReegisThis is interesting...

Remember that a modifying word or phrase, in this case "on her face", often licenses us to use "the" even at first mention. The following is not possible (or is at best unusual style):

Yesterday I met my friend Kate. We talked for an hour and I asked her if she was married. The enigmatic smile was the only answer to my question.

Reegis · Answer

GPYRemember that a modifying word or phrase, in this case "on her face", often licenses us to use "the" even at first mention.

Ah, it explains a lot!

I needed somewhere to start, and your description allowed to me google this topic and I found this:

1) http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/english-as-a-second-language/definite-article

Postmodification: if the noun is followed by a dependent clause (who/which/that) or a prepositional phrase (of/in/to...), it is made definite and takes the definite article. The man who lives next door is Chinese.

We take the regular collection of garbage for granted.
The journey to Vancouver takes three days by train.
No one expected the results that were found.

2) http://www.grammar-quizzes.com/article3c.html

Known because of later mention.
The piece over there. (identified by an adverbial phrase)
The piece inside the box. (identified by a prepositional phrase)
The piece that you are holding. (identified by a clause)
The piece that is upside down. (identified by a clause)
The piece you see there. (identified by a clause)
The piece with the black center. (identified by a prepositional phrase)

So to sum up we might have:
a) First mention - use an indefinite article.
b) Second mention - use a definite article.
c) Later mention - use a definite article (make sure it identifies the object as unique).

Now I think I start to understand this

GPY · Answer

ReegisSo to sum up we might have:a) First mention - use an indefinite article.b) Second mention - use a definite article.c) Later mention - use a definite article (make sure it identifies the object as unique).

But keep in mind that exceptions exist. It is notoriously difficult to explain article usage using simple rules in a way that covers every eventuality.

Fivejedjon · Answer

GPY. It is notoriously difficult to explain article usage using simple rules in a way that covers every eventuality.

I'd call that an understatement.

Reegis · Answer

fivejedjonI'd call that an understatement.

I still do remember how you once commented on how extremely difficult it might be...
Btw. I like challenges and it motivates me:)

Articles: [The/an] Enigmatic smile on her face was the only answer to my question.

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