The definite article “the” precedes both “coffee” and “catholic.” It functions as a grammatical determiner, specifying particular nouns rather than general concepts. For example, “the coffee” refers to a specific quantity or instance of coffee, while “coffee” refers to the beverage in general. Similarly, “the Catholic Church” refers to a specific institution, while “catholic” (lowercase) might describe a broad-minded or universal outlook.
Definite articles contribute significantly to clear communication by providing context and specificity. They disambiguate meaning, allowing for precise reference. Historically, articles emerged as separate words from demonstrative pronouns, gradually evolving into their current function. Their proper usage ensures effective and unambiguous communication, which is crucial in written and spoken language.