Customers flocked to the e-banks in their thousands

[Nonverbis]

Upstream Proficiency by Virginia Evans and Jenny Dooley.

Could you tell me why the definite article is used here? I would say flocked to e-banks.

 

[Tarheel]

These things are not mobile-friendly. Having said that, the article is probably optional there.

 

[Nonverbis]

I can't catch your idea.

 

[Tarheel]

@Nonverbis What idea?

The things you have posted most recently are not mobile friendly. (It's hard for me to read them using my device.)

 

[emsr2d2]

"The e-banks" refers to those specific ones available during the honeymoon period previously mentioned.

 

[Nonverbis]

Articles are one of the most difficult aspects for non-natives. Do you really feel that the definite article is necessary here? Or you just explain why it is used here?

I still can't feel that the definite article is suitable. The idea of electronic transactions is and has for some time already been obvious. Therefore as soon as the technology allowed, ebanks appeared. I suppose, there were a lot of them. Anyway, indefinite number of banks.

 

[5jj]

Articles are one of the most difficult aspects for non-natives.

I agree.

Do you really feel that the definite article is necessary here?

No, but its use is possible.

 

[emsr2d2]

I don't actually know what an e-bank is! I assume it's what we call an internet bank - a bank with no branches, operating entirely online (and sometimes by phone).

 

[5jj]

I assume it's what we call an internet bank

Yup.