Anonymous  +  686349 Fri, 13 Mar 09 06:35 PM Hi! Can anyone explain the usage of the articles in the following phrases: the handsome Mr. Mckenzie, a smiling Jim? Thank you in advance. Anonymous Articles, Usages

	Clive  +  686356 Fri, 13 Mar 09 07:00 PM Hi, Can anyone explain the usage of the articles in the following phrases: the handsome Mr. Mckenzie, a smiling Jim? I would really just say that this is a matter of idiom and literary style. However, here are a couple of comments about subtleties.. the handsome Mr. Mckenzie tends to suggest that the reader/listener already knows or is aware of Mr. Mckenzie. a smiling Jim does not tend to suggest that. Best wishes, Clive Clive Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004 Canada Veteran Member 29,582 El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo Articles, Idioms, Usages, Styles

	CalifJim  +  686401 Fri, 13 Mar 09 09:07 PM Anonymous “Can anyone explain the usage of the articles in the following phrases: the handsome Mr. Mckenzie, a smiling Jim?” the is used when a fairly permanent characteristic trait of a person is mentioned as an adjective before his or her name. the talented Miss Lavinia Bucksome; the incomparable Doctor Kwackly; the morose Mrs. Joiliss. (Miss Lavinia is a talented woman; Dr. Kwackly is incomparable; Mrs. Joiliss is generally morose.) _____________ a (or an) is used when a somewhat temporary state, condition, or mood of a person is mentioned as an adjective before his or her name.  This situation may be fairly unusual for that person, or it may be just how the speaker thinks that that person looks at the moment. a laughing Mathilda; an impish Mr. Engleson; a blonde Rosie (Mathilda is laughing at the moment; Mr. Engleson is being impish just now -- maybe he isn't usually impish; Rosie is blonde just now -- she has probably just recently changed her hair color.) CJ CalifJim Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004 California Veteran Member 22,385 "There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche Articles, Adjectives, Usages, Colours