The prophet Moses was one of the most important prophets

Question

Hi

I have read a sentence which is: The prophet Moses was one of the most important prophets in Judaism. Afterwards the text refers to Moses only as "the Prophet". I understand the use of definitive article 'the' but why the 'P' in "Prophet" is a capitalized. Could you please help me with this? Would it affect the meaning if I don't use the capitalized version?

Thanks.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

The text seems to be using the word 'Prophet' as a title for Moses in the same way, for example, that we commonly write 'the President' when we speak of Obama.

Clive

Jackson6612 · Answer

CliveHi,

The text seems to be using the word 'Prophet' as a title for Moses in the same way, for example, that we commonly write 'the President' when we speak of Obama.

Clive

Hi Clive

I wasn't able to understand your reply fully out of my own limitations. Let me ask some follow-on questions.

The popularity ratings of the president Obama have dropped over the years.

In the beginning the president Obama was immensely liked by most Americans but now the popularity ratings of the president Obama have dropped over the years.

1: In the beginning the president Obama was immensely liked by most Americans but now the popularity ratings of the president have dropped over the years.

2: In the beginning the president Obama was immensely liked by most Americans but now the popularity ratings of the President have dropped over the years.

What's the difference in meaning between "1" and "2"?

Please guide me. Thanks.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

I wasn't able to understand your reply fully out of my own limitations. Let me ask some follow-on questions.

It's not correct to say 'the president Obama'. It's like saying 'the mr Clive'.

It's also customary to use a capital when the word 'President' is used in any way to refer to the President of the United States.

However, note that in other contexts for the word 'president', a capital is not alway used.

eg Tom Smith is the president of a small computer company.

eg Tom Smith is President of XYZ Computers Inc.

Here are some ways you can talk about Obama.

I saw President Obama.

I saw the President.

I saw the President, Obama. (ie whose name happens to be Obama). Not very commonly said, as most people know the President's name.)

Based on these comments, I have highlighted errors in your sentences in red.

The popularity ratings of ~~the~~ president Obama have dropped over the years.

In the beginning the president Obama was immensely liked by most Americans but now the popularity ratings of the president Obama have dropped over the years.

1: In the beginning the president Obama was immensely liked by most Americans but now the popularity ratings of the president have dropped over the years.

2: In the beginning the president Obama was immensely liked by most Americans but now the popularity ratings of the President have dropped over the years.

What's the difference in meaning between "1" and "2"? The blue word in 1 needs a capital. The blue word in 2 is fine.

If this is still not clear, please post again.

Clive

Jackson6612 · Answer

G'd Morning, Clive.

I offer my genuine thanks to you. I have learned a lot from you over the years. And you have always helped very nicely. Much grateful.

I would read your previous your post several times, then would decide whether to ask any follow-on questions.

Best regards

Jackson

Anonymous · Answer

Hi , according to the dictionaries such as Oxford the phrase "the Prophet" with capitalized p refers to the prophet of islam=Prophet Muhammad. peace be upon him and his family. bye

Clive · Answer

Hi,

I believe that the dictionary is talking about when the phrase is used without a name.
eg The Prophet has written that . . . .

But you can use the phrase followed by a name, eg The Prophet Moses led his people out of captivity..

Clive

The prophet Moses was one of the most important prophets

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