Which article is better to use?

Question

When we introduce an animal in a story or or an article, should we use THE or A / AN?

Some of what I have read made use of THE while some made use of A / An.

For example, 'the giraffe' is the tallest animal. Why can't we use 'a giraffe' in this sentence?

Thanks for your help.

i know exactly when to use such articles except for the case stated. Anyway, i think Cameron b got my point. Does anyone agree with her?

Answer 1

The giraffe is the tallest refers to the whole population of giraffes while
a giraffe is the tallest refers to one animal

Answer 2

It is up to the writer as to whether or not they choose to use The or A/An. There is not a major difference except when you are referring to A or An b/c An is used if the first letter of the word is a vowel. Example: an elf, a giraffe

Answer 3

Actually, I think the correct or most common article will vary depending on the creature you're talking about. Either "the" or "a/an" seem right for some animals (like giraffe). But in other cases using "the" sounds weird to me if you're describing common traits of that species. ("The fly has two wings"?? But then again it sounds OK to say, "The common housefly has two wings.")

You might be able to make a case that "the" only sounds right for large animals, or exotic animals, or precisely classified ones, or something like that. But I think the correct usage varies from animal to animal just by custom and habit and simply has to be memorized. Articles in English are often like that -- they drive foreigners crazy.

Answer 4

I totally agree with her because she is right! Remember that you always us "an" if the next word starts with a vowel.

Answer 5

because we r telling about a particular girafe of a particular story so THE uses.

Answer 6

Sunshine just doesn't get it, does she.