[Grammar] Article

[arjitsharma]

I would like to know why the definite article 'the' is used in the following sentances.

1. I have the ability to win any game.
2. I have the guts to stand up before anyone.

In the above two sentances why the definite article is used.

 

[emsr2d2]

I would like to know why the definite article 'the' is used in the following sentences.

1. I have the ability to win any game.
2. I have the guts to stand up before anyone.

In the above two sentences, why is the definite article [strike]is[/strike] used?

What do you think should be used if not the definite article?

 

[teechar]

In #1, we're talking about a specific ability-- the ability to win any game.
In #2, "guts" means "courage", and again, we are specifying it-- the courage to stand up before anyone.