Learn Greek Online!: τα πολλα αυτοκίνητα

The use or presence of a definite article by definition makes something specific. Thus πολλα αυτοκίνητα ("many cars") is general and unspecific, in that it does not refer to any specific cars, while τα πολλα αυτοκίνητα ("the many cars") is specific and determinative, in that it refers to some very specific cars, the specific many cars that we are referring to.

For example:
Η οικογένεια Νικολίδης έχει πολλά αυτοκίνητα. = The Nikolidis family has many cars [unspecific].
vs.
Tα πολλά αυτιοκίνητα της οικογένειας Νικολίδη είναι στο γκαράζ του σπιτιού. = The many cars [specific] of the Nikolidis family are in the house's garage.

Hope this helps,
Greg Brush

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