That's the whole question.
Example:
I'm creating a new version of the program
Is there a set of rules one should follow?
Thank you!
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Marko Bonaci
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2That depends what you want to say. For example: "I am (the person which is) creating (specifically) the new version of the program. " or "(No, I am not just bug fixing,) I am creating a (whole) new version of the program." – skymningen Mar 13 '15 at 13:08
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Yes it is correct to say "a new" or "the new". – Marv Mills Mar 13 '15 at 13:08
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1@MarvMills was that supposed to be funny? BTW, you're missing a comma after "Yes". – Marko Bonaci Mar 13 '15 at 13:11
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Only if you consider my use of "Yes" to be an interjection, which it is not. See here: http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/78532/comma-or-semicolon-after-no-when-responding-to-a-question – Marv Mills Mar 13 '15 at 13:34
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The link you provided only proved my point. You're missing something, let's say it like that :) – Marko Bonaci Mar 13 '15 at 13:43
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possible duplicate of Which article is used between a "name" and a "tagline" – Misti Mar 13 '15 at 14:03
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It's pretty unreasonable to close this as off-topic in an English language forum. – Marko Bonaci May 16 '16 at 15:13
2 Answers
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Context, context, context!
The basic rule is that you use the if you expect your hearers/readers to know which one you're talking about.
So if you've already mentioned this new version, or it's part of the general knowledge you share with your hearers/readers, you can use the. But when you introduce a new entity into the discourse, you use a.
I know the program's slow right now, but I'm writing a new version. The new version will be released in May.
You may also use the to speak of a new entity if you distinguish it immediately, within the same noun phrase.
We're working on three new versions. The version I am working on is targeted to social media users.
StoneyB on hiatus
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The use of the definite or indefinite article depends on the meaning you would like to express. Both cases are possible in different situations.
a new version is the case of the noun modified with the descriptive adjective, therefore, the indefinite article can be chosen.
the new version -you are telling the reader which thing we are talking about. You are referring to the particular version of the program.
