Difference between revisions of "Definite (definition)"

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A [[Noun Phrase (definition)|noun phrase]] is definite when it refers to a specific entity which is identifiable particular contexts. They stand in contrast to [[Indefinite (definition)|indefinite]] noun phrases. In English, definite NPs are typically identified with the [[Article (definition)|article]] ''the'', although NPs marked with the [[Deictic (definition)|deictic]] articles ''this, that, these'' and ''those'' are also definite. In Gaelic, definites are marked with the definite articles ''an', an'', and ''na''.
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A [[Noun Phrase (definition)|noun phrase]] is definite when it refers to a specific entity which is identifiable particular contexts. They stand in contrast to [[Indefinite (definition)|indefinite]] noun phrases. In English, definite NPs are typically identified with the [[Article (definition)|article]] ''the'', although NPs marked with the [[Deictic (definition)|deictic]] articles ''this, that, these'' and ''those'' are also definite. In Gaelic, definites are marked with the definite articles ''a', an'', and ''na''.
  
  

Revision as of 10:27, 5 June 2012

A noun phrase is definite when it refers to a specific entity which is identifiable particular contexts. They stand in contrast to indefinite noun phrases. In English, definite NPs are typically identified with the article the, although NPs marked with the deictic articles this, that, these and those are also definite. In Gaelic, definites are marked with the definite articles a', an, and na.


See Also

External Links

References

  • Crystal, David (1999) The Penguin Dictionary of Language. London: Penguin.
  • Matthews, P. H. (1997) The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Linguistics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.