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a doctor vs the doctor

Both 'a doctor' and 'the doctor' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'A doctor' is used when referring to any doctor in a general sense, while 'the doctor' is used when referring to a specific doctor that has been previously mentioned or is known to both the speaker and the listener.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1328 views

a doctor

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to any doctor in a general sense.

Use 'a doctor' when talking about doctors in general or when the specific identity of the doctor is not important.

Examples:

I need to see a doctor about my cough.
She wants to become a doctor when she grows up.

Show examples from the web [+]

Dad using a doctor to avoid sentencing.
We have a doctor named shepherd.
I'm a doctor at Princeton Plainsboro.
Dad using a doctor to avoid sentencing.
The Court thinks you need a doctor.
I totally forgot about being a doctor.
You said purvis was a doctor.
Except you stabbed a doctor today.
Looks like some needs a doctor.
Miss Channing, you need a doctor.
Visit a doctor to have an opinion.
Indicate whether professional assistance by a doctor is needed or advisable.
You need a doctor, Ben.
So eggs describes a list of symptoms and you repeat them to a doctor.
Let me summon a doctor for you.
There's a doctor in Albany.
Just what you need, a doctor.
He's still a doctor, anthony.
Leave it to me, I'm a doctor.
No, really, I'm a doctor.

Alternatives:

a physician
a medical practitioner
a healthcare professional
a specialist
a surgeon

the doctor

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a specific doctor that has been previously mentioned or is known to both the speaker and the listener.

Use 'the doctor' when referring to a specific doctor that has been previously mentioned or is known to both the speaker and the listener.

Examples:

I need to see the doctor we met at the hospital.
The doctor will be arriving shortly.

Show examples from the web [+]

Let the doctor look after the disease.
Nobody move until the doctor says so.
Your husband should have discussed that matterwith the doctor.
He was just the doctor of a local clinic.
I need you to run the doctor again.
I finally went to the doctor, it was too late.
That's what the doctor said.
Forget what the doctor said, Father.
Not exactly what the doctor recommended for bruised ribs.
Reverend Mother has sent for the doctor.
He's making the doctor eat himself.
Well, I checked the doctor out.
And the doctor... he told me Jin was infertile.
I don't think the doctor meant my mouth.
Even the doctor didn -t know.
Anyone who knew the doctor, had access to his dream shrooms.
Yes, it's just what the doctor ordered.
Maybe George will bring the doctor.
Fine. Do the doctor thing.
Even the doctor said the sun would help with his bronchitis.

Alternatives:

the physician
the medical practitioner
the healthcare professional
the specialist
the surgeon

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