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Claudeg Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
"A" vs. "the" concert
Hello everyone.
I have a question. It looks long, but it's actually easy!
As a coat checker attendant, expect your busiest time to be at the beginning of a concert and at the end.
As a coat checker, expect your busiest time to be at the beginning of the concert and at the end.
No concert has been identified before. Is one of the above grammatically incorrect or inappropriate for the context?
I think either is grammatical, even for a first-time mention.
"A concert" - correct because it means "any (unspecific) concert".
"The concert" - also correct because you have already established a concert (implicit in "your busiest time" can imply the existence of a given concert) and so "the concert" is that given context.
It's the same with:
A tailpipe can be found under a vehicle at the back.
Any vehicle.
An tailpipe can be found under the vehicle at the back.
You found an exhaust pipe so you must be looking at some vehicle, and "the" is that vehicle.
I know you can also use plurals (concerts, vehicles), but I would like to stick to these examples.
Native speakers, am I right? Thank you.
I have a question. It looks long, but it's actually easy!
As a coat checker attendant, expect your busiest time to be at the beginning of a concert and at the end.
As a coat checker, expect your busiest time to be at the beginning of the concert and at the end.
No concert has been identified before. Is one of the above grammatically incorrect or inappropriate for the context?
I think either is grammatical, even for a first-time mention.
"A concert" - correct because it means "any (unspecific) concert".
"The concert" - also correct because you have already established a concert (implicit in "your busiest time" can imply the existence of a given concert) and so "the concert" is that given context.
It's the same with:
A tailpipe can be found under a vehicle at the back.
Any vehicle.
An tailpipe can be found under the vehicle at the back.
You found an exhaust pipe so you must be looking at some vehicle, and "the" is that vehicle.
I know you can also use plurals (concerts, vehicles), but I would like to stick to these examples.
Native speakers, am I right? Thank you.
Top answer
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4 Answers
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claudegAm I allowed to bump if no replies?If you bump, on the forum menu it looks like your question has been answered (the menu indicates one response), so it just takes longer to get an answer. Responders have to browse their way here instead of selecting yours as an unanswered post.
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Hello, claudeg—and welcome to English Forums. Thank you for registering as a member.
claudegNative speakers, am I right?Yes, you are right.
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Mister MicawberHello, claudeg—and welcome to English Forums. Thank you for registering as a member.Thank you, Mister Micawber. I am excited to be here. And I understand about bumping.
Mister MicawberYes, you are right.Thank you!
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