You’ve probably seen this Spanish Worksheet before: it has two columns, and it has one word, “En!” This is an extremely common expression that most people use when they mean that the person or thing in the center of the work space is definitely there.
In “The Rules of the Game,” author Richard George provides four rules for clarifying the meaning of this “En!” In a sentence. He writes, “When the word En is used as a determiner, it must be attached to the word indicated by the affirmative clause.” (This means that the presence of the word En can only be indicated with the phrase “En! .”)
In order to get the best use of the definite article, George writes, you must use it at least three times in a row. Do you see what I mean? Even with this simple rule, however, it’s important to remember that if you’re using “En “No” to mean “not-so-much “not-quite-there,” then this can create a lot of confusion. That’s why “Rules” by Richard George is so useful. It’s a guide to ensure that the conversation is not derailed by the use of “En”No.”
This “Rule” on “The Rules of the Game” explains that if you’re using the definite article (or “En”) to mean “certain”firm,” then you have to use the definite article at least three times in a row. If you’re not sure how many times you should use the definite article, then George gives a helpful reminder. He writes, “A rule to observe is three in three instances.” Now you have some guidance!
When “Rule” says that you should always use the definite article at least three times in a row, he explains why. He writes, “It is a well-known fact that the certainty of the English language is increased by adding the definite article at least three times in a row.
As we all know, “certainty” is a synonym for “truth.” When you add “certain” three times in a row, you’re giving your readers a sense of how certain you are that what you’re saying is accurate. So, it doesn’t make any sense to add “certain” less than three times.
“Rules” by Richard George provides many more guidelines for determining when “En”No” can be safely added to a sentence. First, he notes that this may only be necessary when the subject in the sentence is uncertain, but not when the subject in the sentence is certain. Next, he points out that the definite article can only be used with positive adjectives that describe a particular subject, and it can only be used with negative adjectives that describe the same subject. Finally, he notes that the definite article cannot be used at all times when you’re writing a period or a comma.
Using the definite article “En “No “A “n “E “and “t” is clear and unambiguous, according to the rules of “Rules” by Richard George. These rules also help to guarantee that you get to maintain the accuracy of your writing. And, finally, these rules help to ensure that the conversation is not derailed by the misuse of “En”No.”
