Google
English-Test.net
Find penpals and make new friends today!
 
attraction; lottery; contest which ends in a tie; natural channel; gully
draw
total
system
acceptance
TOEIC test: Word games: Free Online Noun Quiz Answer
Search   FAQ   Memberlist   Register   Profile   Private messages   Log in 

Should I use a definite article or a possessive article?



 
ESL/EFL Worksheets and Handouts for Students Printable, photocopiable, clearly structured
Designed for teachers and individual learners
For use in a classroom, at home, on your PC
ESL Forums | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
Meaning of "to say nothing of us" | 'Act' (adverb+adjective)
Message Author
Should I use a definite article or a possessive article? Wed Jun 28, 2006 20:31 pm  Should I use a definite article or a possessive article?
 

Hi! How do you feel? Laughing

My question:

Should I use a definite article or a possessive
in the following sentence?

Imagine someone, for instance, steals people
every day.

E.X. He laughs at HIS/THE victims after
stealing all their money.

They are his victims, but not really his victims, right? That?s why I hesitate. It?s not as when for instance, we talk about our own dog:

It?s MY dog.

Thanks a lot!

Jes?s
Jesus1
I'm here quite often ;-)


Joined: 20 Apr 2006
Posts: 193

Should I use a definite article or a possessive article? Thu Jun 29, 2006 20:12 pm  Should I use a definite article or a possessive article?
 

He laughs at HIS/THE victims after
stealing all their money.


If you use the definite article, we are not sure if they have been victims of something/someone else before being stolen.

Now, using the possessive adjective defines that: we know they are his victims and what he did to them. Mind you, he could also have done something else to them before stealing their money and laughing at them!
Conchita
Moderator


Joined: 26 Dec 2005
Posts: 2702
Location: Madrid, Spain

Want to learn about the future tenses? Read this story and smileESL lesson plans in 6 funny stories with exercises and answer keyEnglish grammar exercises — improve your English knowledge and vocabulary skillsRead these English anecdotes and maybe smile today? Subscribe to free email English course
Display posts from previous:   
Meaning of "to say nothing of us" | 'Act' (adverb+adjective)
ESL Forums | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms Should I use a definite article or a possessive article? All times are GMT + 2 Hours
Page 1 of 1
Latest topics on ESL EFL Forums
The verb feel and 'any longer-no longer'"agree sth." vs. "agree on sth."Use more with lessDon't versus Doesn'tWhy hair is uncountable and the word beard is countable?"Live-in" son-in-lawGiven below vs Below givenMeaning of "give hand"'own' as an adjectiveWhere should I place "his dog"?Why cannot the train remain at the platform?Well-worn truism: "Two and two makes four"'used' water (I do not know how to explain this)Phrase: More than half recorded average yearly growth ratesMeaning of "she is out of sorts today""Shopping bag" vs "Shopper"25 million vs. 25 millionsWhen: I mentioned that when we were eating lunchShould I use a definite article or a possessive article?

Discover English-test.net
What does this phrase mean: 'I should have thought.'?An arrow and a dog-eared bookPhrase: he could be back with his ex-girlfrienddifference between eloquent and eloquentMCAT preparation test: Activities for Teaching Vocabulary: English AdjectiveMCAT exam test: Word games online: Free Adjective GameDefine ethical, orphaned, dental, nauseated, asymptomatic, sterile, gangrenousDefinition of seat, decide, pipe, survive, ceremony, activist, why, happen, murder, privateEsl journal articles: Improving Verbal SkillsThe Cold Moon audiobook download

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Subscribe to FREE email English course written by Alan Townend
First name E-mail