In English grammar, we use the definite article in front of a noun when we believe the listener knows exactly what we are referring to. Further, use of the word “the” suggests singular, as in The Pope. When you meet The Pope, then you’ve met The Pope. When you meet “the elderly” you’ve really only met one person who also happens to be older. | Use of the word “the” becomes a linguistic tactic to drive home the idea that I am different from that which I speak about, explains Sali Tagliamonte, a Canadian linguist currently at the University of Toronto. Using “the” creates a separation between the subject and the speaker, a distancing. —Adrienne Ienne, Seattle Times
Similar:
Collegewide game encourages small interactions around campus
Surprise sidewalk encounter with my man Hopkins outside the Admin shuttle stop this mornin...
Shakespeare-themed Math Puzzles
This is what the techbros are excited about? Really?
Crying Myself to Sleep on the Biggest Cruise Ship Ever
New infographic to help our graduating English majors make sense of their capstone project...
https://t.co/Z5IlexdUka