Learn English – Why do we use “the” with non-specific noun

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It seems like there are so many exceptions for articles. Example sentences:

  • I don't like going to the theater. I prefer going to the cinema.

    I feel like it is not specific but why do we use "the" not "a"?

  • I don't like watching TV in the mornings ]

    Why do we use "the" for non-specific mornings?

Best Answer

In these sentences you are using "the" to refer to the category of a thing, and so to say "I don't like going to the theater" is the same as saying "I don't like going to theaters". It's a little confusing, but using the indefinite article in 'I do not like a theater' suggests that there is one theater that you do not like, but you might like other theaters.

You cannot construct sentences like this with any noun, so be careful. The first of these two sentences is fine, the second is not:

I do not like to travel on the bus.

I do not like to eat the sandwich.

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