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ESL forum > Ask for help > AN only child - why?    

AN only child - why?



class centre
Belarus

AN only child - why?
 
Please! How shall I explain to my sts why AN only child s correct, not THE only child?
Thanks  in advance....

15 Oct 2013      





MoodyMoody
United States

A family has an only child. Once the family is specified, the only child also uses the definite article.

15 Oct 2013     



yanogator
United States

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     



class centre
Belarus

thank you so much, dear friends! Now I feel quite confident.
have a nice day!

15 Oct 2013     



Claunika
Argentina

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. 

15 Oct 2013     



class centre
Belarus

thanks a lot dear Claunika! Now I get it!

16 Oct 2013     



Claunika
Argentina

Great! I �m glad I could help :)

16 Oct 2013