Generic a & generic the

Contents

Introduction	Another separate use of a and the
Section 1	Why we use generic ‘a/an’ & generic ‘the’?
Section 2	What's the difference between generic ‘a/a’ & generic ‘the’?
Section 3	Exercises

Introduction :

Another separate use of a and the

Lessons 1 and 2 looked at how a, an, and the are used in English. They were all non-generic use of the articles.
In this lesson, we will look at another separate use of a, an, and the.

Q: First, which one of the next 2 sentences is incorrect?

1	The kiwi bird is in danger of becoming extinct.
2	A kiwi bird is in danger of becoming extinct.

Section 1

Why we use generic ‘a/a’ & generic ‘the’?

Generic a/an, or generic the is used to make generalizations about something. For example;

a) A cat is much smaller than a lion.

Or b) The dog is loyal to its owner.

This is the same as saying;

c) Any cat is smaller than any lion.

and d) All dogs are loyal to their owners.

We use *generic a* & *generic the* to make generalizations.		What is *generalization*?
		click to find out

Section 2

What is the difference between generic a and generic the ?

The difference between generic ‘a/an’ and generic ‘the’ is usually subtle. In fact, the meaning does not differ all that much.

When using ‘a/an’, you are taking one example to generalize about that entire type.

So, A cat is much smaller than a lion = any single cat (e.g. a Siamese cat) is much smaller than any single lion

When using ‘the’ all of the species is represented.

So, The dog is loyal to its owner = all dogs, or every dog is loyal to their owners.

You can say the same thing by using the plural form.

Cats are smaller than lions.
Dogs are loyal, compared with cats.

But sometimes, the difference in meaning between the generica/an & genericthe can really stand out.
Look again at the first examples in this lesson.

a) The kiwi bird is in danger of becoming extinct.
b) X A kiwi bird is in danger of becoming extinct.

This is because generic the is more representative of the type than generic a/an, which is sort of like a 'sample type'.

It is also because we are talking about 'extinction', which would mean many birds are dying. So it is strange if I were to say b)X A kiwi bird is in danger of becoming extinct, because it sounds as if just one sample (one kiwi bird) is dying.

Generic a (an) has the meaning 'any single one'.
If you want to talk about 'all' or 'every', you need to use generic the instead.

Q: Try to complete the following sentences. Choose from : a, an, or the. Some can have more than 2 answers.

1	........ horse runs fast.
2	........ leopard cannot change its spots.
3	........ airplane is a convenient way to travel.
4	........ unicorn is an imaginary animal.
5	We are most closely related to ....... chimpanzee.

Q: Which of the next 4 sentences are incorrect?

1	A dinosaur has become extinct.
2	*The* dinosaur has become extinct.
3	A digital camera is replacing film cameras.
4	*The* digital camera is replacing film cameras.

Section 3

Exercises

Fill in the blank with a, an, or the. Some of these can have more than one answer.