0
DorisPao Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
Definite article + next/last
Hello Native English Speakers!
I was always taught that, when using "next/last" with time references, the definite article is omitted. I will do it next Friday (NOT "the next Friday), I will see you next year (NOT "the next year"), etc.
But I keep on seeing writers use the definite article in the following situations:
She decided to return the next afternoon.
They agreed to return the next year.
Etc.
What's happening here? I have concluded that the definite article is NOT used in the present, when next/last is clearly established from the point of reference of today, but that the definite article is okay (or is it compulsory??) when the time of reference is not now (e.g. in the past).
Am I right? And would it be compulsory to enter the definite article if the events described are in the past?
Thank you for your big help, as usual!
Doris
I was always taught that, when using "next/last" with time references, the definite article is omitted. I will do it next Friday (NOT "the next Friday), I will see you next year (NOT "the next year"), etc.
But I keep on seeing writers use the definite article in the following situations:
She decided to return the next afternoon.
They agreed to return the next year.
Etc.
What's happening here? I have concluded that the definite article is NOT used in the present, when next/last is clearly established from the point of reference of today, but that the definite article is okay (or is it compulsory??) when the time of reference is not now (e.g. in the past).
Am I right? And would it be compulsory to enter the definite article if the events described are in the past?
Thank you for your big help, as usual!
Doris
Top answer
g. in the past). Right.
- g.
- in the past).
- Right.
- It's compulsory in the past.
- At least all the examples I can think of work that way.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
2 Answers
0
DorisPaoI have concluded that the definite article is NOT used in the present, when next/last is clearly established from the point of reference of today, but that the definite article is okay (or is it compulsory??) when the time of reference is not now (e.g. in the past).Right. It's compulsory in the past. At least all the examples I can think of work tha
00
Related Questions