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differences - "A wrong answer" vs "the wrong answer"


In English, when presented with a list (real or imagined) or answers that could be given to a question, and the correct one is not given, we will say that somebody has given "the wrong answer". However, doesn't "the" imply that there is only one wrong answer?


Logically, it should be "that's a wrong answer", not "that's the wrong answer". Right?



Answer



I know this is a language site, but seeing it from a mathematician's perspective you're totally right. You can expand any wrong answer by adding the statement "AND" plus another arbitrary wrong statement.


Which day is today?
"Today is Friday" (No, it's Thursday)

-> Today is Friday AND sheep have blue fur
--> false AND false = false

-> Today is Friday AND sheep have blue fur AND water is dry
--> false AND false AND false = false

So technically there exists an unlimited number of wrong answers to the same question and technically you are right when saying that the reply should be "You have given a wrong answer".


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