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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
Definite article
Teachers,
I saw this sentence. "Why is there a definite article in this sentence?"
Shouldn't it be
"Why is there THE definite article in this sentence?"
There is only one! For example, "In these cases use the definite article". "In this sentence you need the definite article". Always "the".
Then why "a definite article" in my sentence?
Is it because of "there is"?
I hope my question is a clear.
I saw this sentence. "Why is there a definite article in this sentence?"
Shouldn't it be
"Why is there THE definite article in this sentence?"
There is only one! For example, "In these cases use the definite article". "In this sentence you need the definite article". Always "the".
Then why "a definite article" in my sentence?
Is it because of "there is"?
I hope my question is a clear.
Top answer
Anonymous Why is there a definite article in this sentence? = Why does this sentence contain an [occurrence / example] of [the definite article / "the"]? Anonymous Is it because of "there is"?
- Anonymous Why is there a definite article in this sentence?
- = Why does this sentence contain an [occurrence / example] of [the definite article / "the"]?
- Anonymous Is it because of "there is"?
- To a certain extent, yes.
- "There is" establishes existence, the actual presence of a thing.
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8 Answers
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AnonymousWhy is there a definite article in this sentence?= Why does this sentence contain an [occurrence / example] of [the definite article / "the"]?
AnonymousIs it because of "there is"?To a certain extent, yes. "There is" establishes existence, the actual presence of a thing. Why does an occur
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I was about to respond to this, but CJ beat me to it. So much the better - he is much better at explaining the "nuts and bolts" of grammar than I am.
There is something hideously unnatural about asking, "Why is there the definite article?". As CJ explained, it is indeed: "why is there an instance of the definite article being used".
There is something hideously unnatural about asking, "Why is there the definite article?". As CJ explained, it is indeed: "why is there an instance of the definite article being used".
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AnonymousI hope my question is a clear.Also, the indefinite article here is wrong.
I hope my question is clear.
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Thank you CalifJim and Xerxes.
So then do I say:
Your sentence needs a/the definite article.
You need to use a/the definite article in this sentence.
Place a/the definite article before this noun.
You can see it both as an instance like you say, or not.?
Sorry, I am a bit confused.
So then do I say:
Your sentence needs a/the definite article.
You need to use a/the definite article in this sentence.
Place a/the definite article before this noun.
You can see it both as an instance like you say, or not.?
Sorry, I am a bit confused.
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AnonymousYour sentence needs a/the definite article.Either way is OK.
CJ
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Thank you, Teacher CalifJim!
I assume either way is OK for the other two as well, right?
I assume either way is OK for the other two as well, right?
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