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I vividly remember a conversation that I had with my father in the fall of 1995.as we talk about a particular conversation, and moreover we define it further, Don't we have to use THE before conversation?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

TheAlienAs we ~~talk~~ are talking about a particular conversation, and moreover we define it further, don't we have to use THE before "conversation"?

No. Both 'a' and 'the' are possible. Using 'a' suggests more strongly to the listener that the speaker is about to summarize or describe the conversation. Using 'the' suggests that the speaker and listener may already know which particular conversation the speaker is referring to, though not necessarily.

This example is somewhat similar to

I bought a car that I really like.

It's a specific (i.e., particular) car, but we don't have to use 'the'.

CJ

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