How do you write "this is a cat" in English? - briefly
To write "this is a cat" in English, simply use the words "This is a cat." This basic sentence structure is fundamental and universally understood.
How do you write "this is a cat" in English? - in detail
To express the phrase "this is a cat" in English, one must understand the function of each word and how they come together to form a coherent sentence.
Firstly, let's break down the components of the sentence:
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"This": This is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate something specific or particular. In this context, "this" refers to a particular cat that the speaker has in mind.
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"is": This is a form of the verb "to be," which serves as a linking verb connecting the subject ("this") with the predicate ("a cat"). It indicates the state or condition of the subject.
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"a": This is an indefinite article used before a singular noun when the noun is either countable or when its specificity is not emphasized. In this case, "a cat" refers to any cat without specifying which one.
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"cat": This is the subject complement, a noun that describes or renames the subject ("this"). It tells us what the subject is.
Putting it all together:
- "This" specifies the subject.
- "is" links the subject to the predicate.
- "a" is used before "cat" because "cat" is a countable noun and we are not referring to a specific cat.
- "cat" describes what "this" is.
Therefore, "this is a cat" is a simple declarative sentence that identifies the subject ("this") as being a member of the category of cats ("a cat"). It is a straightforward and common way to introduce or point out a specific cat in English conversation.