2006-10-27 04:08:08 · 5 answers · asked by stock2004dc 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
When you use "a" it is general ; when you use "the" it is specifically speaking about a particular person or thing.
Caution is advised when using "a" because you get into another quandary with using "a" or "an". You use "a" if the word after it starts with a consonant and you use "an" if the word following in starts with a vowel.
2006-10-27 04:18:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
a means in general and the means specific
a dog can bark means that in general dogs bark
the dog can bark means that this specific dog can bark
2006-10-27 11:10:34 · answer #2 · answered by ignoramus 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
depends ex a coat was hung there - means any coat
the coat was hung ther - refers to a specific coat
2006-10-27 11:11:31 · answer #3 · answered by cameron b 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"A" is the indefinite article. "I read a book." You are not being specific.
"The" is the definite article. "I read the book." There was a specific book in mind, and you read it.
2006-10-27 11:17:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
a means any
the means one exactly
2006-10-27 11:10:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋