Is it the definite article?

So, to reiterate, when it comes to when to use the “the”, the only universal rule is this:

Some rules (such as the two you’ve given) might hold 95%+ of the time, but unfortunately there may be weird and arbitrary exceptions that you’ll just have to learn.

Source: https://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/365074/the-use-of-the-definite-article-with-the-names-of-museums-art-galleries-etc/365083#365083

Is it capitalization?

Because a cursory look at the Wikipedia page for capitalization also reveals that it is not without its quirks.

For example:

planets and other celestial bodies: “Jupiter”, “the Crab Nebula”; and “the Earth”, “the Sun”, or “the Moon” should be capitalized according to the International Astronomical Union based on its manual of style, but style guides may suggest differently.[19]

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitalization_in_English

Is it the fact the way something is written almost has no bearing on how it’s pronounced?

Please tell me your thoughts.

  • TabbsTheBat (they/them)@pawb.social
    0·
    14 days ago

    Is it the fact the way something is written almost has no bearing on how it’s pronounced?

    For me as someone who speaks english as a 2nd language this is definitely a big one

    Though on the topic of the definite article, as a kid I found articles in general to be weird as my native language has none, so there were just these “untranslatable” words in front of some nouns for some reason

    • nerdhd@lemmy.worldOP
      0·
      14 days ago

      Though on the topic of the definite article, as a kid I found articles in general to be weird as my native language has none, so there were just these “untranslatable” words in front of some nouns for some reason

      Funny you mention this, cuz I have been trying to learn japanese lately and it not having articles is a big obstacle for me.