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waterlily
Hello I would like to explain the next sentence is wrong to my students. How can I explain that? I have the son who became a doctor. I think "the" should be "a" in this case.
Jul 2, 2021 4:33 AM
Answers · 11
2
I think "a" is better.
July 2, 2021
2
Yes, you're correct. THE is used with nouns that have specific meanings, or with nouns that are one of a kind. A, AN can refer to one of many things in general. Using THE in this sentence implies that the speaker is the only person to have a son who is a doctor. Using A suggests that out of the speaker's many sons, one became a doctor. So the second option is the best. I hope you found this to be helpful.
July 2, 2021
1
Yes A doctor .
July 2, 2021
Actually, either could be correct. In most cases, you would just the I have a son . . . etc. If there were a group of parents and the group was asked, "which of you has a son who became a doctor?" you could use the first example. In other words, if there were several sons from several families to choose from.
July 3, 2021
Thank your for your help. I really appreciate it.
July 3, 2021
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