engnety  +  62298 Sun, 19 Dec 04 10:05 AM Sir, Can we both say: Monica, head of the English Department of U of R, is going to give us a lecture. Monica, the head of the English Department of U of R, is going to give us a lecture. I'd like to know when the article "the/a" is necessary or unnecessary? Thanks! engnety Joined on Sun, Dec 19 2004 China New Member 25 Christopher Zhu This is the home to English lovers. I love this forum Articles

	Mister Micawber  +  62326 Sun, 19 Dec 04 03:03 PM Hi Enqnety, Welcome to English Forums. In your sample sentences, 'Head' without 'the' is OK if it is capitalized, since it would be Monica's title; so both sentences are possible. Explaining all the uses of 'the/a' and when they are omitted is a complex subject, and I suggest that you first use Google to search 'definite article' and 'indefinite articles', and then come back here with more specific questions. Mister Micawber Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004 Yokohama Veteran Member 30,822 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.' Articles, Indefinite Articles, Definite Articles, Sample