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Newguest Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

The/a

Hi

A policeman asked me about the car which was stolen yesterday.

--- Should it be a OR the policeman?
  

Top answer

Hi, In very broad terms, say 'a' the first time you mention the policeman. After that, say 'the'. When you say 'the', it means you think we already know about the policeman.

— Clive

  • Hi, In very broad terms, say 'a' the first time you mention the policeman.
  • After that, say 'the'.
  • When you say 'the', it means you think we already know about the policeman.
  • Clive
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3 Answers
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Hi,

In very broad terms, say 'a' the first time you mention the policeman. After that, say 'the'.

When you say 'the', it means you think we already know about the policeman.

Clive
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The bottom line here is the definitions of 'definite' and 'indefintie' articles. If you're just beginning the narrative, a is probably better. However, if you've already mentioned a specific cop, the definite aricle the is better.
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Hello, Newguest:

As the other posters told you, we usually usually use "a" upon first mention, and then we use "the" for future references.

(It might help to remember that "the policeman" means something like "that policeman.")

Of course, there are always exceptions to the "rule":

Manager: Why are you so late to work this morning?

Joe: Sorry,
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