I still fail to recognize when to use proper articles "a" and "the" and when the article is unnecessary. Yes, I've heard the explanations about something being specific we use "the" etc,. But then there are instances when the article is unnecessary.

Examples that I know which one to use but I don't know why

1. "I ordered the wrong color", I don't see how that's somehow more precise than not using the article at all "I ordered wrong size". Native speakers just tell me it that it sounds wrong to not use the article (or should be an article?)

2. I'm professor of.... why not I'm a professor of?

3. "Here is a link" or should it be "Here is the link"? I guess, I would chose "the" because it's a specific link?

4. "The Buddha", why not just "Buddha? We don't say "The Jesus".

I'll come up with more examples :)

Question

I still fail to recognize when to use proper articles "a" and "the" and when the article is unnecessary. Yes, I've heard the explanations about something being specific we use "the" etc,. But then there are instances when the article is unnecessary.

Examples that I know which one to use but I don't know why

1. "I ordered the wrong color", I don't see how that's somehow more precise than not using the article at all "I ordered wrong size". Native speakers just tell me it that it sounds wrong to not use the article (or should be an article?)

2. I'm professor of.... why not I'm a professor of?

3. "Here is a link" or should it be "Here is the link"? I guess, I would chose "the" because it's a specific link?

4. "The Buddha", why not just "Buddha? We don't say "The Jesus".

I'll come up with more examples :)

Answer

1. Here 'color' and 'size' are singular countable nouns. A singular countable noun must be preceded by an article or similar - the, a, this, that, my, your, etc . So 'I ordered wrong size' cannot exist.

Answer

A few thoughts . . .

1. Not sure if there's any logic here, but it does require an article. 
2. Actually "A professor of" is probably more common than the same phrase without the article.
3. A or THE would work in this case.
4. This is probably more of a religious/philosophical question than a grammar question. I've alway thought it was THE Buddha because there was the possibility of more than one buddha, i.e. all of us might become Buddhas if we follow the right path and achieve enlightenment.

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