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Listenever Posted 10 years ago
I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Showthem all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be
Above are the lyrics as posted on the YouTube page.
I wonder why it's "the children" as opposed to "children".
I mean, why not start with "I believe that children are our future"?
I can't be sure if she actually pronounced "the" or "that".
But is the "the" necessary or even possible when you first introduce "children" in general, as opposed to a specific group of children that you had already in mind?
Grammar
I believe the/that children are our future
I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Showthem all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be
Above are the lyrics as posted on the YouTube page.
I wonder why it's "the children" as opposed to "children".
I mean, why not start with "I believe that children are our future"?
I can't be sure if she actually pronounced "the" or "that".
But is the "the" necessary or even possible when you first introduce "children" in general, as opposed to a specific group of children that you had already in mind?
Top answer
It is hard to be certain from the audio whether she says "the" or "that". The great majority of transcriptions seem to have "the". If this is correct then it will be because it is referring to the children who will constitute the next generation -- a group that everyone knows exists through common understanding.
- It is hard to be certain from the audio whether she says "the" or "that".
- The great majority of transcriptions seem to have "the".
- If this is correct then it will be because it is referring to the children who will constitute the next generation -- a group that everyone knows exists through common understanding.
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3 Answers
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It is hard to be certain from the audio whether she says "the" or "that". The great majority of transcriptions seem to have "the". If this is correct then it will be because it is referring to the children who will constitute the next generation -- a group that everyone knows exists through common understanding.
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GPYbecause it is referring to the children who will constitute the next generation -- a group that everyone knows exists through common understanding.Thanks. I get it.
That said, leaving out "the" and say "I believe that children are our future" somehow doesn't make the "children" "the next generation"?
Would you personally use the "the" or
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listeneverThat said, leaving out "the" and say "I believe that children are our future" somehow doesn't make the "children" "the next generation"?It makes little or no difference to the ultimate meaning in this case.
listeneverWould you personally use the "the" or not if you were to convey that meaning in an everyday conversation?
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