The usage of 'the' in the follwoing sentence?

Question

Hi. What's the difference between the two following sentences in terms of using 'the' before "next week's seminar" ?He said he would come to the party if he finishes his assignment for next week's seminar.He said he would come to the party if he finishes his assignment for the next week's seminar

Englishmaven · Accepted Answer

What's the difference between the two following sentences in terms of using 'the' before "next week's seminar" ?

What's the difference between the following two sentences...

This is a good question. I'm not exactly sure. Somehow it seems that the second sentence implies there are other seminars, while the first sentence does not necessarily imply that. I have to think about this. Good question.

Persian Learner · Answer

No other comments?

BarbaraPA · Answer

I can't see any purpose in including the "the" if "next week" is still next week as you report the speech.

If we have moved past that point in time (he said it two weeks ago and the seminar is now in the past), I'd say "the following week's seminar" to tie it to the point in time when he said it.

Some people might report the speech later, keep his original phrase "next week" and use the "the" before it if "next week" is no longer "our" next week (that is, that it's now in the past). I think using "the following week" is less ambiguous.)

Persian Learner · Answer

Thanks for your crystal clear explanation my dear teacher.

The usage of 'the' in the follwoing sentence?

Hi.

He said he would come to the party if he finishes his assignment for next week's seminar.

He said he would come to the party if he finishes his assignment for the next week's seminar

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