with definite article or without?

andreeasil · Mon Apr 09, 2007 12:24 pm *with definite article or without?*

Which of these sentences is correct?

When do Bulgarians celebrate Christmas? or
When do THE Bulgarians celebrate Easter?

Thank you.

Pamela · Tue Apr 10, 2007 12:13 pm *with definite article or without?*

I guess 'the' is optional in your sentence.

Correct me,dear moderators, if I am off-beam Wink

fimmaker · Tue Apr 10, 2007 13:57 pm *with definite article or without?*

Alan · Tue Apr 10, 2007 14:36 pm *with definite article or without?*

Hi,

This is really a question of specificity. The first one refers to Bulgarians in general and the second one with the article suggests'The Bulgarians' in contrast for example to 'The French' or 'The Germans'. You might like to look at some material I've written for the site on the use of articles: Articles in English or "Charlie the Brave"

Alan
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