Omission of the definite article

Question

Hello.Is there any change in meaning of the following sentence if the definite article in brackets is omitted?"John and Mary sat at (the) opposite ends of the table."How do we know if a definite article can be omitted with out mistakes?Thank you.

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

Jiaming YangIs there any change in meaning of the following sentence if the definite article in brackets is omitted?

No. It sounds more natural if it is left out.

Jiaming YangHow do we know if a definite article can be omitted with out mistakes?

That is not a simple question. First, learn some general principles. But there are many, many exceptions. Only practice and experience will give you a feeling for using articles like a native speaker.

This page (scroll down to "Articles") gives a good overview of the principles.

Anonymous · Answer

"John and Mary sat at opposite ends of the table." This is a matter-of-fact sentence, a simple statement of fact, denoting something that is not at all out-of-the-ordinary. However, the sentence sounds a little cold, as though the couple might not be on the best of terms.

"John and Mary sat at the opposite ends of the table." This sentence is a little more involved than the previous one. The additional word makes the sentence longer, and a longer sentence tends to draw your attention to it more. This might be deliberate by the writer, an attempt to draw attention to the situation, perhaps in preparation for something important that is to follow.

Omission of the definite article

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