A musical instrument + the
Hello, Ladies and Gentleman. I was told 'a musical instrument + the' is conventional. (play the piano/violin...)
Yet, Macmillan English dictionary says Someone who plays a violin is called a violinist.
In that context, both play a violin and play the violin are correct? Additionally, I want to inquire of you something.
Suggesting 'piano' is a countable noun, the dictionary says "She was accompanied by Helen on piano."
Why Is there no determiner? I seem to think that 'on a piano' or 'on the piano' is grammatical. Thank you for reading my question.
Top answer
Anonymous I was told 'a musical instrument + the' is conventional. ) Yes, but 'a' and no article are also both common: He plays the violin = he plays a violin = he plays violin . The first and last refer more often to his career.
- Anonymous I was told 'a musical instrument + the' is conventional.
- ) Yes, but 'a' and no article are also both common: He plays the violin = he plays a violin = he plays violin .
- The first and last refer more often to his career.
- Anonymous In that context, both play a violin and play the violin are correct?
- Yes.
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Anonymous I was told 'a musical instrument + the' is conventional. (play the piano/violin...)
Yes, but 'a' and no article are also both common:
He plays the violin = he plays a violin = he plays violin.
The first and last refer more often to his career.
AnonymousIn that context, both play a violin and play the
0Usage varies. You hear the article used with musical instruments, but it is often omitted, too, especially by musicians themselves.
He can play the piano.
A singer may say: He played piano for me for ten years.
CB
Cross-posted with Mr M.
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