Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

nawee · Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Posts: 400

Hi,

I am very confused with articles. Do I need "the" in this sentence?

"Water returns to rivers, lakes and oceans."

Is "ocean" used with "the" always?

Thank you very much in advance.

Nawee

Kristea · Posted: Thu May 04, 2006 4:03 am Post subject:

Hey!

"The" is used when there is an understanding of what is being asked for or there is only one thing that will do. (For example, if I ask a student to hand me "the book," we would have a clear understanding of what book I am requesting. Not any book in will work.)

In your example, I wouldn't use "the" for 2 reasons.
1. You say "oceans" which tells me that it could be any ocean.
2. I don't know to which ocean you are refering.

Hope that helps - Kristi
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