lions

[peter123]

Hi there,

Amongst pets, I love dogs the most. OR
Amongst pets, I love the dog the most.

Thanks
pete

 

[jamiep]

Use "dogs" unless you are talking about a specific dog in which case you would use "the dog".

 

[peter123]

Hi there,

But 'the dog' could mean all dogs.

Thank
pete

 

[jamiep]

That's not right. "The" is the definite article which means you are talking about a single thing (dog) that is known to the writer and the reader. If you want to talk in general you don't use articles.

 

[peter123]

Hi there,

Thanks very much.

How about this sentence?

My favourite animal is (the) panda?

Thanks
pete

 

[puzzle]

peter123lions
Hi there,

Amongst pets, I love dogs the most. OR
Amongst pets, I love the dog the most.

Thanks
pete

According to my grammar book, "The dog" can refer the thing in general. Have I misuderstood? Please.

 

[peter123]

Hi there,
Yes i agree