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Definite Article--The

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Armsys  #455230  Thu, 20 Dec 07 08:03 AM

When should 'The' be used and when shouldn't?

I went to school to visit my children.
I went to the school to viist my children.

which one is more proper? Or it doesn't really matter, is it?

Armstrong

  
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Cool Breeze  #455243  Thu, 20 Dec 07 08:57 AM
Hi Armsys

The is not used when school is used to indicate learning:

He still goes to school.
He doesn't like school.
I don't have to go to school today.
School will be over at half past three.


In other cases an article is needed:

I went to the school yesterday to see my son. (I am a parent, I went to see my son at the school.)
A new school has been built in Nothingville. (= a building)

Similar thinking helps choose the article with some other words as well:

He goes to church on Sundays. (He attends a divine service.)
I'll meet you at the church tonight. (We think of the building only. We need not go indoors at all. We certainly won't attend a religious service.)

He is in hospital. (AmE: He is in the hospital.) (He is a patient.)
He works at a/the hospital.

He is in jail/prison. (He is a prisoner.)
He works at a jail/prison.

CB
  
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Armsys  #455258  Thu, 20 Dec 07 09:47 AM

Hi cool Breeze,

Wow, I'm rather surrpised but delighted by your explanation. Thanks a lot.
How does it apply to post office, police, bus,...etc.
I went to post office.
I went to the school by bus.
Someone called police.

Armstrong

  
Cool Breeze  #455278  Thu, 20 Dec 07 11:40 AM
 Armsys wrote:

Wow, I'm rather surrpised but delighted by your explanation. Thanks a lot.
How does it apply to post office, police, bus,...etc.

 


It doesn't. The use of articles is perhaps the trickiest part of English grammar. Sometimes logic helps, sometimes it doesn't.Smile [:)]


CB


  
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