The Definite Article
The most
ordinary word that my random dictionary searches have given up do far: the most
frequently used word in the whole of the English language. Used to add
specifics to a noun, though some explanations say it is used to restrict a
noun's meaning: both views are valid. The result is the same: it points to a
particular, a definite, hence the title. It is something I like to look out for
whilst editing (and I self-edit so if you find numerous examples of a misplaced
'the' please be kind) because whilst attempting to type at the speed of thought
one does chuck out rough words and clogged up phrases and whether a thing is
any thing or that specific thing and why care about it is easily overlooked. It
makes a difference though.
'The
birds in the hedge' specific yet bland
'Birds in
a hedge' could be any place with birds and at least one hedge, allows space
for reader to relate to own experience
'Birds in
this hedge' specific and more lyrical
'These
birds in a hedge' specific birds and more quirky, almost the language of
setting up a joke
So while
I like to present sensations of immediacy in my writing, here is revealed the
background scene of deliberation. And outside these walls birds, unseen, sing
from trees, from hedges, from rooftops. (One use of definite article only here,
'the background'
to emphasise that this is my deliberation, though doubtless other writers will
relate to this process. I chose to use birds in hedges for examples because
though I am working indoors I have open windows, and I eat most of my meals
outside watching hedge sparrows being impossibly busy.)
 |
| Couldn't find the picture of birds in hedge I was looking for- opted for a Little Grandson with Dog! |
I like, very much, the idea of jokes having their own structure.
ReplyDeleteCorrect use and placement of words is so important.
ReplyDeleteJust googled 'joke structure' as have vague memory of once upon a time reading a whole book about comedic formatting. To be honest, was expecting a page of questionable architecture and thinking I should rephrase the search- but then lots of links to how to structure and analyse jokes popped up- and this being an unexpected success, it made me laugh. Win win! :-)
ReplyDeleteCorrect use is important for getting things correct Jo, I agree- although incorrect use can be highly entertaining and one should never be afraid to play :-)
I pay attention to word placement in my own writing, but I don't think I could ever write about it or explain it the way you have.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from A to Z ~
Wendy at Jollett Etc.
Thanks for popping in again, Wendy. I read grammar books... and sometimes remember stuff :-)
ReplyDelete