Why do people say "the" 405? (Los Angeles, San Diego: residential, dentist)

[Bunjee]

Originally Posted by nslander

Nothing like getting upbraided for English grammar by the likes of Yakov Smirnoff.

Что такое "elliptical construction"?

[nslander]

Originally Posted by Bunjee

Что такое "elliptical construction"?

Da. In this case, its "freeway".

I could have done w/o the picture.

[ysr_racer]

Originally Posted by bm22

Does anyone else in OC say "the PCH" and do they use the "the" in other parts of the state?

Don't you mean "The OC"

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by ambient

Same up here in the Bay area! I take the 280 to and from work ever day...try to avoid the 101 as much as possible. Back in the Midwest where I grew up, I'd say that I take part of I-465 to work every day and then switch onto I-65... but now I find that sounds kinda toolish.

Originally Posted by jeffredo

We never say "the" in front of a highway name here. Are you a SoCal transplant?

No, I doubt it. My guess is that Ambient is at least a high school graduate without a speech impediment. The member appears to have a firm grasp of the English language. Not a hick or hillbilly at all! Ambient uses English well without dropping words or slurring at all.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by nslander

Q: That red-line running north to south is called:

A: 1) " 405 freeway", or 2) "the 405 freeway".

Sigalert.com Los Angeles Traffic Map

In what context would you ever say "the Madison Street"?

Ya'll are wrong.

That was my whole point but it went right over your head

[ysr_racer]

Originally Posted by nslander

Q: That red-line running north to south is called:

A: 1) " 405 freeway", or 2) "the 405 freeway".

Sigalert.com Los Angeles Traffic Map

In what context would you ever say "the Madison Street"?

Ya'll are wrong.

Somebody using "Ya'll" giving English lessons, nice

[SportyandMisty]

Originally Posted by Charles

You're probably right. I say I'm going to visit Frisco.

What does Colorado have to do with this?

http://www.townoffrisco.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frisco,_Colorado

[EclecticEars]

Originally Posted by ysr_racer

Somebody using "Ya'll" giving English lessons, nice

It's "y'all."

[nslander]

Originally Posted by Gentoo

That was my whole point but it went right over your head

So it did. D'oh.

I hope I spelled that correctly.

[Bunjee]

Here's the deal, and I hope it ends this endless question. Ask someone in SoCal for directions. This is the conversation you'll have, guaranteed:

Stranger: How do I get to Angel's Stadium from here?
Local: Take the 57 and get off on Katella.
Stranger: What's "the" 57?
Local: The 57 Freeway.

[This part is imagined:]

Stranger: Why do you put "the" in front of 57? That makes no sense!
Local: Take the 57 Freeway, then-
Stranger: How in that sentence construction was "the" even necessary?
Local: [...]
Stranger: The "the" is superfluous! I'm confounded. It confounds me!
Local: Sir, have you been drinking?