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Gori Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
a maximum vs. the maximum
Q1: What are the differences in the following cases?
<Case #1>
1. a maximum speed of 10 km/hr
2. the maximum speed of 10 km/hr
<Case #2>
1. The train runs at a speed of 100 km/hr
2. The train runs at the speed of 100 km/hr
Q2: I used to think "the" would be more appropriate to use than "a" in a case like #1 and #2 because the speed is specifically specified as "10 km/hr" or "100 km/hr" here. Is my understanding wrong? Maybe...
<Case #1>
1. a maximum speed of 10 km/hr
2. the maximum speed of 10 km/hr
<Case #2>
1. The train runs at a speed of 100 km/hr
2. The train runs at the speed of 100 km/hr
Q2: I used to think "the" would be more appropriate to use than "a" in a case like #1 and #2 because the speed is specifically specified as "10 km/hr" or "100 km/hr" here. Is my understanding wrong? Maybe...
Top answer
It is difficult to define the two usages without a clear context. Both are possible, depending on construction. Electric car so far can only achieve a maximum distance of 200 miles at best.
- It is difficult to define the two usages without a clear context.
- Both are possible, depending on construction.
- Electric car so far can only achieve a maximum distance of 200 miles at best.
- The maximum distance electric car can achieve with the technology is about 200 miles at best.
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6 Answers
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It is difficult to define the two usages without a clear context. Both are possible, depending on construction.
Electric car so far can only achieve a maximum distance of 200 miles at best.
The maximum distance electric car can achieve with the technology is about 200 miles at best.
Electric car so far can only achieve a maximum distance of 200 miles at best.
The maximum distance electric car can achieve with the technology is about 200 miles at best.
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Case #1 depends on the context.
In case #2 number 1 is by far the most common.
In case #2 number 1 is by far the most common.
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grammarfreakIt is difficult to define the two usages without a clear context. Both are possible, depending on construction.Electric car so far can only achieve a maximum distance of 200 miles at best.The maximum distance electric car can achieve with the technology is about 200 miles at best.I see. Hmmm, it's difficult, at least to me.
So, both cases -- u
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GoriI still do not get the difference between the use of "a" vs. "the."There's no real, grammatical reason. It's pretty much just convention.
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Goriin my example Case #2 (The train runs at a/the speed of XX.), I still do not get the difference between the use of "a" vs. "the." Anyone, please help me, please...The answer that works ( whether it is "a " or "the") really hinges on the rest of the contexts which didn't exists in your post.
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