I bought the book yesterday. vs I bought a book yesterday.

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I bought the book yesterday." implies that the speaker is referring to a specific book that was previously mentioned or is known to both the speaker and the listener. On the other hand, "I bought a book yesterday." implies that the speaker bought any book without specifying which one. The choice between using "the" or "a" depends on whether the book is specific or general in the context of the conversation.

Last updated: April 12, 2024 • 246 views

I bought the book yesterday.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when referring to a specific book that was previously mentioned or is known to both the speaker and the listener.

Examples:

I bought the book yesterday. It's the one we were talking about.
The teacher asked us to read the book, so I bought the book yesterday.

Alternatives:

I bought that book yesterday.
I bought the specific book yesterday.
I bought the particular book yesterday.
I bought the mentioned book yesterday.
I bought the known book yesterday.

I bought a book yesterday.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when referring to buying any book without specifying which one.

Examples:

I bought a book yesterday. It was on sale.
She loves reading, so she bought a book yesterday.

Alternatives:

I bought one book yesterday.
I bought some book yesterday.
I bought any book yesterday.
I bought a novel yesterday.
I bought a storybook yesterday.

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