The definite article usage with objects that have names


For example, I have a database and several tables in it. One of the tables is named Clients for this example. When I speak about a table and need to mention its name do I have to use the definite article?



Insert a record into the Clients table.



or



Insert a record into Clients table.



Which one is correct?



Answer



I would go with either



Insert a record into the Clients table.



or



Insert a record into Clients.



In most of my professional writing I would prefer the first option, although the second may be better in some cases for style reasons.


"Insert a record into Clients table" would not be correct, because "Clients" is a modifier to the subject "table" in this sentence, and not a proper noun.


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