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Bill C. White's avatar

"the" refers to, one as in the existential qualifier, "there exists". As opposed to "for all".

Bill C. White's avatar

Quantifier not qualifier. :-)

An existential quantifier is a logical operator asserting that a property holds for "at least one" member of a specific domain. Denoted by the symbol \(\exists \) (a rotated 'E'), it translates to phrases like "there exists," "for some," or "there is".

David Perlmutter's avatar

It's kind of like that in Canada, too. Prime Ministers, Premiers and Governor Generals are still referred to by their title after leaving office, although the qualifier "former" is added by the press so they won't be confused with the current office-holder.

Andrew Smith's avatar

Feels a lot simpler to do that here, too, but I guess Americans like to be confused more than most people.

David Perlmutter's avatar

Some of them ARE more confused than most of us.

Bridget Collins's avatar

Etiquette handles this.

People are referred to by their last title UNLESS the current holder is present.

That's true for ambassadors, justices, senators, cabinet secretaries and presidents. (And I believe military ranks.)

So at a gathering without Trump, Biden, Bush or Obama would be addressed as Mr. President. Once Trump enters the room, only he is referred to as Mr. President.

Pete Buttigieg is referred to as Secretary Buttigieg unless Road Trip boy is present.

So only Trump is THE president but former presidents are always afforded the courtesy title unless he's present.

There's a funny scene in The Crown where Elizabeth's grandmother, Queen Mary, explains the distinctions to a new maid.

Andrew Smith's avatar

I remember that scene in The Crown! I think I was leaning heavily on how this works in British royalty when trying to make the appropriate analogy.

Your explanation here is very helpful.

Bridget Collins's avatar

😁

It's surprising how much I remember from Catholic school -- where the nuns drilled us on how to correctly address everyone.

Bridget Collins's avatar

😁

It's surprising how much I remember from Catholic school -- where the nuns drilled us on how to correctly address everyone.

Phoebe Howe's avatar

I can’t imagine what’s like not to live in a Royal country, there are lovers or haters and even whatevers but I’d feel lost without our Royal Family. Your president system just confuses me!

Andrew Smith's avatar

It confuses us, too!

Phoebe Howe's avatar

Didn’t mean to repeat myself 🙄

Phoebe Howe's avatar

Phew! I’m not alone even with one or two miles between us 😁

Phoebe Howe's avatar

Phew! I’m not alone even with one or two miles between us 😁