Not to worry, you’re in good company. Not many writers actually understand that, as the use of “the” has been so constant that everyone just accepts it and uses it that way. I’ve done it myself without realizing it. The one mistake I often make is using S instead of Z, because I often use the British form instead of the American. I still use honour and colour instead of honor and color. I only notice it when the spellchecker points it out.

I wasn’t knocking your post, just pointing out to other commenters. It’s the sort of thing that really pisses off my older daughter, like when I correct her for using “can” instead of “may”, etc.

respects,

Now, as far as the “it’s not ‘the’ USS Enterprise” rule, I freely admit to breaking that one all the time. I don’t think I learned it until after I had started this site, and for a while I tried to stick to it. But I gave up.

http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/HURL/midget.html

Sorry ’bout that. :)

Also, when writing about US Naval Vessels, one never uses the term “the USS Enterprise”, etc, it is simply “USS Enterprise”, or “Enterprise”. No “the” is needed when speaking or writing about a vessel. The name itself is all that is required. Think of how it would sound if you talked about “The Murdoc” instead of just “Murdoc”, as a simple example.

Respects,

A sub is a boat. :D A ship is a ship!

US subs are “USS,” which means “United States Ship,” even though we call them “boats.”