If I don't have a particular place in mind, should I say "I have to go to the bank" or "I have to go to a bank"?. I mean there are plenty of banks nearby.

Bonus question! Does the same rule go with the phrase related to professions? Such as "to see the doctor?" Even if I don't have one in mind?

Question

If I don't have a particular place in mind, should I say "I have to go to the bank" or "I have to go to a bank"?. I mean there are plenty of banks nearby.

Bonus question! Does the same rule go with the phrase related to professions? Such as "to see the doctor?" Even if I don't have one in mind?

Answer

In the United States, we use "a bank" or "the bank" interchangeably when we don't have a particular one in mind. The same with "a doctor" or "the doctor." However, using "a" implies that almost any bank, doctor, etc will work.

Answer

I agree with Maya.