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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

A/the service charge

Hi,
Let's say the purchase of a certain item involves a service charge. However, if you have a VIP card, there might not be one. I am not sure so I call in to inquire.
1. "Hi, if I have a VIP card, will I still need to pay a service charge?"
2. "Hi, if I have a VIP card, will I still need to pay the service charge?"

I think that
1. "A" - Will I still need to pay ANY kind of service charge?
2. "The" - I know there is a service charge for the transaction, but will my VIP card waive it? This presupposes a service charge for that transaction.

Is that the idea?
  

Top answer

You are right about #1. In #2, the customer sees (or knows) that there is a service charge on his transaction. He is asking about the avoidance of that particular charge.

— AlpheccaStars

  • You are right about #1.
  • In #2, the customer sees (or knows) that there is a service charge on his transaction.
  • He is asking about the avoidance of that particular charge.
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3 Answers
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You are right about #1.

In #2, the customer sees (or knows) that there is a service charge on his transaction. He is asking about the avoidance of that particular charge.
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The second one is better; however, using "waive" is even better.

If I have a VIP card, is the service charge waived?
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Thank you, AlpheccaStars and Englishmaven.
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