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earthquake vs the earthquake

Both 'earthquake' and 'the earthquake' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Earthquake' is used in a general sense to refer to the natural disaster itself, while 'the earthquake' is used when referring to a specific event or when the earthquake is already known to the listener.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 835 views

earthquake

This is correct. 'Earthquake' is commonly used to refer to the natural disaster itself.

Use 'earthquake' when talking about the general concept of a seismic event or disaster.

Examples:

  • The earthquake caused widespread damage to the city.
  • Living in a seismic zone means being prepared for an earthquake at any time.
  • There's been an earthquake somewhere.
  • Your mind is stronger than any earthquake.
  • Maybe the earthquake tore something out.
  • No catastrophic earthquake or tsunami has destroyed southern Europe's productive capacity.
  • Consider what happened with this, 7.2 earthquake.
  • Japan devastated by an earthquake and tsunami.
  • The first earthquake magnitude scales were simple designations such as major/minor.
  • This activity demonstrates the relationship between earthquake power and ground movement.
  • Unfortunately, only Corfu escaped the devastating 1953 earthquake.
  • The earthquake in Haiti was immediately followed by international humanitarian assistance.
  • There's nothing mystical about an earthquake.
  • The anomalies are times equivalent of an earthquake.
  • Phenomena that occur after an earthquake.
  • After the great earthquake, 17 years ago.
  • But after the earthquake, let me guess...
  • My wife and I went there after the big earthquake.
  • A clinic in the village of Jacmel was destroyed by the earthquake.
  • Take an earthquake to wake him up.
  • A Presidential candidate predicts a millennium earthquake will destroy L.A. in divine retribution.
  • A month ago, the earthquake broke open his tomb.

Alternatives:

  • seismic event
  • tremor
  • quake
  • temblor
  • natural disaster

the earthquake

This is correct. 'The earthquake' is used when referring to a specific event or when the earthquake is already known to the listener.

Use 'the earthquake' when talking about a particular seismic event that is being discussed or is known to the listener.

Examples:

  • Did you feel the earthquake last night?
  • The earthquake that hit Japan in 2011 was one of the most devastating in history.
  • Spain applied for assistance from the Solidarity Fund for damages caused by the earthquake in Murcia on 11 May 2011.
  • Apparently some of them live only 300 kilometres from the epicentre of the earthquake.
  • Fragments of marble and semi-precious stones deriving from sheets damaged by the earthquake have been...
  • The scale of the earthquake was considerable.
  • Destroyed by the earthquake of 1948, nowadays it is possible to visit its remains.
  • The entire west wing was destroyed by the earthquake of 1976.
  • The farmhouses of Emilia Romagna do not give up to the earthquake.
  • The Haitian state has not rebuilt any of the public buildings destroyed by the earthquake.
  • In 1184 it was destroyed by the earthquake that struck the Calabria June 9.
  • The town was destroyed by the earthquake of 1694 and then almost completely rebuilt.
  • The belfry collapsed during the earthquake of 1953 and was rebuilt.
  • The whole village was seriously damaged by the earthquake of 1857, which also stroke other villages nearby.
  • The village where he lives was hard hit by the earthquake.
  • The violence of the earthquake has created singularly difficult situations.
  • UNESCO response to the earthquake in Chile
  • Today's news of the earthquake has really shaken us.
  • The white building was destroyed by the earthquake.
  • After many changes, the castle was severely damaged by the earthquake of 1511.
  • After seeing the damage myself, I understand the magnitude of the earthquake better.
  • It appears quite ruined since the earthquake.

Alternatives:

  • that earthquake
  • the seismic event
  • the tremor
  • the quake
  • the temblor

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