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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Article help

Hi there,
I am convincing my sister not to leave her husband.

"He is a good man. There is no need to destroy a marriage just because of this problem."
OR
"He is a good man. There is no need to destroy the marriage just because of this problem"

A or the marriage? My teacher said that either is correct. "A marriage" is any marriage (no need to destroy any marriage). "The" is my sister's marriage specifically. According to my teacher, that way I can emphasize one or the other.

This makes sense and I am glad I have this choice, but how do I choose? Do I emphasize any marriage or her marriage? Or Is it really up to me?
  

Top answer

Your teacher is right. I suggest you say 'the'.

— Clive

  • Your teacher is right.
  • I suggest you say 'the'.
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5 Answers
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Your teacher is right.
I suggest you say 'the'.
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CliveYour teacher is right.I suggest you say 'the'.
Thank you, Clive! But a native speaker could just as easily say "a" and be correct, right?
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AnonymousThank you, Clive! But a native speaker could just as easily say "a" and be correct, right?
Actually, Clive, just please disregard this second question. You original answer confirmed that the answer is "yes". Thank you!

-OP
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Yes.
As your teacher said, there's a slightly different emphasis.
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CliveYes.As your teacher said, there's a slightly different emphasis.
Yes, perfect. I understand. Sorry about being repetitive. Thank you!

OP
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