Why "the" in "teach the 3rd grade"?

Asked Feb 08 '21 at 07:15

Active Feb 08 '21 at 14:12

Viewed 49 times

When asked "What do you do?", I understand it's idiomatic to say both:

"I teach the 3rd grade"
"I teach 3rd grade"

Note that the former can be used even as a general answer, not just as meaning "I teach the 3rd grade of school X". In that case, what does the "the" mean?

Inspired by Why "the" in "looking in the mirror"?

edited Feb 08 '21 at 14:12

asked Feb 08 '21 at 07:15

Jonathan

1

The version without the article is idiomatic. – Lawrence Feb 08 '21 at 13:09
Does this answer your question? Why "the" in "looking in the mirror"? – Lawrence Feb 08 '21 at 13:10
@Lawrence: No, that was the question that inspired mine, and I noted that. I didn't realize the other version is idiomatic, I'll rephrase so the question is about the difference. – Jonathan Feb 08 '21 at 14:10
Your alternative sense informs the more generic usage too, making it less impersonal. – Edwin Ashworth Feb 08 '21 at 14:30

Why "the" in "teach the 3rd grade"?

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