The 3

Question

A: read the numbers on the pamphlet.B: 10, 0, 1...A: you missed the 3. (Pointing at the number)I wonder if "the" should be said before 3, or even in this situation "the" is unnecessary? Thank you.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

onizoI wonder if "the" should be said before 3

Yes. You missed the 3.

You missed 3 can be taken as You missed three numbers.

CJ

Onizo · Answer

Thank you CJ.

In this case, maybe you don't need to worry about whether you add "the" or not even at the beginning of talk?
For instance, when asking a person to push a button with a number on it, you could either say, "push 5" or "push the 5", is that it?

How about "push the number 5" and "push number 5"? I know that the first one is to go, but when you come to think of the word number here as an adjective for 5, I don't think this should be impossibe. What do you think?

And one more thing, I know that Mount Everest should be without "the", but when you use the nuber 5, why not the mount 5?

CalifJim · Answer

onizoFor instance, when asking a person to push a button with a number on it, you could either say, "push 5" or "push the 5", is that it?

Yes. That's fine, just as long as there's nothing that could make the other person think that "Push 5" means "Push 5 things". But that won't happen with numbered buttons, so it's fine in this situation.

onizoHow about "push the number 5" and "push number 5"? I know that the first one is to go, but when you come to think of the word number here as an adjective for 5, I don't think this should be impossibe. What do you think?

When we add extra words like 'number' or 'page' or 'figure' or 'diagram' or 'paragraph' or 'sentence', we leave out 'the'.

Push number 5. Open your book to page 5. Look at diagram 5. Read sentence 5.

onizoAnd one more thing, I know that Mount Everest should be without "the", but when you use the number 5, why not the mount 5?

Mount 5? What do you mean? Everest is a mountain (Mount). 5 is not a mountain.

CJ

Onizo · Answer

Thank you CJ.

I have a big problem with your answers and I wish I could tell you what is bothering me, but it's a bit impossible for me to articulate the frame.
So, if you could check on my other thread, THIS IS ABOUT THOMAS THE, where you will find some opinions differ from you, I think, and let me know what you think, it would be tremendous help.

CalifJim · Answer

onizoI have a big problem with your answers and I wish I could tell you what is bothering me, but it's a bit impossible for me to articulate the frame.

That's all right. Just forge ahead! After all, today is March 4th. (March forth!)

onizo if you could check on my other thread

OK. I'll try to find it.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

CalifJimYes. You missed the 3.

Does it mean "You missed the third"?

The 3

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