the english language vs english language

'The English language' and 'English language' are both correct, but they have marginally different meanings. 'The English language' is used when referring to the language as a whole, while 'English language' is used when discussing the language in a more general or academic sense.

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Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: June 19, 2024 • 1281 views

the english language

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to the language as a whole.

Use 'the English language' when talking about the language as a whole, its characteristics, or its history.

Examples:

The English language has many irregular verbs.
I am studying the English language at university.
She is a professor of the English language.
The development of the English language is fascinating.
Learning the English language can be challenging.

Show examples from the web [+]

The Decision is authentic in the English language.
The Decision shall be authentic in the English language.
Please also note that an excellent knowledge of the English language is an eligibility criterion.
Done in two copies in the English language.
The numbering of recitals should therefore be corrected in the English language version of the proposal.
We are not very familiar with this concept in the English language.
There shall be an agreed common translation of the texts in the English language.
In its response KLM objects to the use of the English language and requests that the proceedings be conducted in Dutch.
All remarks, except the ones regarding to the permanent residence permit, are provided in the English language.
In order to facilitate the selection process, all communications to candidates concerning this vacancy will be in the English language.
This Agreement shall be drawn up in two duly signed originals in the English language.
Done at Frankfurt am Main on 13 December 2001, in two copies in the English language.
Done at Brussels, this twenty-fifth day of April 2005 in two copies each in the English language.
Done at Paris on 21 November 2006, in a single original, in the English language.
Done at Brussels and Sofia, on 24 January 2005, in the English language in four copies.
Done at Brussels, 21 February 2005, in the English language in four copies.
Done at Brussels, 3 December 2004, in the English language in four copies.
Done at Brussels and Sarajevo, on 5 October 2004 in two copies each in the English language.
Unless otherwise approved by the Authority, or prescribed by national law, an operator must prepare the Operations Manual in the English language.
And you clearly have a very strong command of certain parts of the English language.

Alternatives:

English as a language
the language of English
the language known as English
the language spoken in England
the language used in English-speaking countries

english language

This phrase is also correct and is used when discussing the language in a more general or academic sense.

Use 'English language' when talking about the language in a general or academic context, without specifying the language as a whole.