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		Ask for help > AN only child - why?     
			
		 AN only child - why? 
		
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 class centre
 
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							| AN only child - why? 
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							| Please! How shall I explain to my sts why AN only child s correct, not THE only child? Thanks  in advance....
 
 |  15 Oct 2013      
					
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 MoodyMoody
 
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							| A family has an only child. Once the family is specified, the only child also uses the definite article. |  15 Oct 2013     
					
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 yanogator
 
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							| To expand on MoodyMoody �s answer:   If it is used as a description, it is "an only child". She is a redhead, a waitress, and an only child.   She is the only child her parents have.   Bruce |  15 Oct 2013     
					
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 class centre
 
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							| thank you so much, dear friends! Now I feel quite confident. have a nice day!
 
 |  15 Oct 2013     
					
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 Claunika
 
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							| Hi! I think it �s as if you say:  �he has a child �, and not  �he has the child �. It is the indefinite article that should be used as we are not defining the noun, but using it for general reference. 
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 class centre
 
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							| thanks a lot dear Claunika! Now I get it! |  16 Oct 2013     
					
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 Claunika
 
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							| Great! I �m glad I could help :) |  16 Oct 2013     
					
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