Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site burl.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!security!genrad!grkermit!masscomp!clyde!burl!wjb From: wjb@burl.UUCP Newsgroups: net.religion,net.nlang Subject: Re: A question; articles in Aramaic Message-ID: <400@burl.UUCP> Date: Mon, 30-Jan-84 08:30:27 EST Article-I.D.: burl.400 Posted: Mon Jan 30 08:30:27 1984 Date-Received: Wed, 1-Feb-84 01:35:45 EST References: <923@proper.UUCP> Organization: Western Electric, Burlington, NC Lines: 15 -- In general, I use the indefinite article to indicate that the object in question is "not special," that is, it is one of several objects that would fit the need of the moment. --> "I wanted a book." I use use the definite article to indicate that the object in question is "special," that is, the object being discussed is the only object that would fit the need of the moment. --> "I wanted the book." Whereas I am sure that I could communicate without the distinction, I do like to be able to make such subtle distinctions in shades of meaning.-- --Bill Buie