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Mitsuo23 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Why is there no "the" on maps

I have no physical maps at hand but if I use Google Map and search around the U.S.A I find many names without "the" and a few with "the."

Without the:
United States, Brooklyn Bridge, Hudson River
(I believe these words require "the" to be in context)
With the:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art

So I am wondering if "the" is used on maps arbitrary. Or is there any logic behind this difference?

Thank you,
M
  

Top answer

I would say that map makers are more concerned with brevity than with grammar and the use of articles.. I would also say that the vast majority of places do not have The (with a capital) as part of their official name. eg We don't say The Chicago, The Toronto, The California, The Canada.

— Clive

  • I would say that map makers are more concerned with brevity than with grammar and the use of articles..
  • I would also say that the vast majority of places do not have The (with a capital) as part of their official name.
  • eg We don't say The Chicago, The Toronto, The California, The Canada.
  • Clive
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3 Answers
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I would say that map makers are more concerned with brevity than with grammar and the use of articles..

I would also say that the vast majority of places do not have The (with a capital) as part of their official name.
eg We don't say The Chicago, The Toronto, The California,
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It is difficult enough to place names elegantly on a map so that they do not overlap and are clearly readable. Adding articles would make the problem even more problematic.
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