a or the

[moniki]

Hello to everyone, I would like to know how to use correctly the words a and the. Ex. You have given me the welcome or you have given me a welcome, I know that I must use a but, why not the? thank you very much.:?:

 

[TheParser]

Hello to everyone, I would like to know how to use correctly the words a and the. Ex. You have given me the welcome or you have given me a welcome, I know that I must use a but, why not the? thank you very much.:?:

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Good morning, Moniki.

(1) I think the general rule is:

(a) Use "a"/ "an" on the first mention. = one

(b) Use "the" on the following mentions. = that


(2) Tom: How was your trip to La Argentina?

Mona: Oh, it was wonderful. When I arrived in Buenos Aires,

I received A (one) very warm welcome.

Tom: Tell me about it.

Mona: Well, THE (that) welcome was probably the nicest welcome that

I have ever received in any other country.

Tom: Did you do a lot of sightseeing?

Mona: Oh, yes. I especially wanted to visit the world-famous "La Prensa"

newspaper. When I arrived, they gave me A (one) nice welcome. THE

(that) welcome included a tour of the whole building.

*****

Have a nice day!

 

[moniki]

Hi TheParser, so all depend of the context, thanks and have a nice day too.

 

[Teia]

Hello to everyone, I would like to know how to use correctly the words a and the. Ex. You have given me the welcome or you have given me a welcome, I know that I must use a but, why not the? thank you very much.:?:

The is used in specific situations and many others. A / An are used in many situations as well. You should consult a grammar book because these items of grammar are rather extensive and imply some rules of usage.


As for your question, I`d rather say: You have welcomed me with open arms, etc. or
You made me feel welcome./ You made me welcome. You bade me welcome.

It might sound weird but this is correct English.