DEFINITENESS

Definition
• DEFINITENESS is a feature of a noun phrase selected by a
speaker to convey his assumption that the hearer will be able to
identify the referent of the noun phrase, usually because it is the
only thing of its kind in the context of the utterance, or because
it is unique in the universe of discourse.
 Example
• E.g1: The number of students at the school was definite. It can only be used
appropriately when assuming the listener can know who is in question-> The number of
students.
• E.g2: The car that is deterministic. It can only be used appropriately when assuming the
listener can tell what is being referred to-> The car.
• E.g3: Tom is determined. Personal pronoun Tom. It can only be used appropriately
when the speaker assumes that the listener can tell who is being introduced here is Tom.
• E.g4: The moon is definite. It's the only thing in a normal discourse universe known by
this name -> The Moon.
 Exercise
• Which one is the definite sentence? Choose and point out the featured of
definite sentences.

1. We are going to buy the yacht.

=> Definite sentence (the yacht)
2. Does anybody have a phone charge?
=> Indefinite sentence
3. Don’t drink the water out of that tap. It’s dangerous.
=> Definite sentence (the water)
4. I gave the children something to eat because they were hungry.
=> Indefinite sentence
5. I feel sick. I think it was the turkey I had for dinner.
=> Definite sentence (the turkey)
6. Be careful and wear a mask when you go out. The Covid 19 disease is complicated.
=> Definite sentence (the Covid 19 disease)