1. In the case of putting the determiner "the" in front of nouns, I think the criteria we would apply are 1) the case of specificity and 2) the case of a prior precedent. OK. In applying the stated criteria, can we use a "either one" approach or a "either or both" approach? In other words, can both criteria exist in one contextual case as to necessitate the inclusion of one "the" determiner?
2. What is the difference between the two phrases "on top" and "on the top"?
There is an alarm clock on top of the dresser.
There is an alarm clock on the top of the dresser.
The physicist found the bodies on top of a volcano last month.
He says the geologist made the discovery after searching on the top of the volcano ...