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Why the Arctic has the definite article before it and Antarctica doesn't? Thank you :) Words & Wordplay - 2 Answers - 2012-02-22 23:04:08 Best Answer "Antarctica" is the name of a continent, so it follows the pattern of the other continents: "South America," for example, and "Europe," don't have articles. But the Arctic is the name of a region or area, so it follows the pattern used for other "regions" -- the Southwest, or the tundra, etc. All Answers Answer 1 No particular reason that I'm aware of other than it's simply become convention. It may have something to do with the Arctic being a *region,* while Antarctica is a *continent* unto itself. 2012-02-22 23:14:51 Answer 2 "Antarctica" is the name of a continent, so it follows the pattern of the other continents: "South America," for example, and "Europe," don't have articles. But the Arctic is the name of a region or area, so it follows the pattern used for other "regions" -- the Southwest, or the tundra, etc. 2012-02-22 23:15:44 |
