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Scw72 Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
go to a theater vs. go to the theater
Hi all!
I'm just wondering if there is a meaning difference between 'go to a theater' and 'go to the theater'.
Also I just want to know what would be the difference between the following two expressions ' be off to army' vs, 'go to the army'
Thank you for your help in advance!!
CW
I'm just wondering if there is a meaning difference between 'go to a theater' and 'go to the theater'.
Also I just want to know what would be the difference between the following two expressions ' be off to army' vs, 'go to the army'
Thank you for your help in advance!!
CW
Top answer
In this case the definite article doesn't refer to a definite theater, but a definite activity. It's like "I went to the barber/store/movies/circus/ballgame/dentist/cinema/etc. In my opinion, if you said "I went to a theater/dentist/cinema/etc, the meaning would be essentially the same, except there's some emphasis on the fact that you didn't go to any particular dentist; while if you say "I went to the dentist" it would probably be understood to mean "I went to the same dentist where I usually go," but not necessarily.
- In this case the definite article doesn't refer to a definite theater, but a definite activity.
- It's like "I went to the barber/store/movies/circus/ballgame/dentist/cinema/etc.
- In my opinion, if you said "I went to a theater/dentist/cinema/etc, the meaning would be essentially the same, except there's some emphasis on the fact that you didn't go to any particular dentist; while if you say "I went to the dentist" it would probably be understood to mean "I went to the same dentist where I usually go," but not necessarily.
- Depending on context, it could mean, "I went to the dentist instead of going to work, or to the theater.
- You might say this to someone who has absolutely no idea what dentist you go to.
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4 Answers
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In this case the definite article doesn't refer to a definite theater, but a definite activity. It's like "I went to the barber/store/movies/circus/ballgame/dentist/cinema/etc.
In my opinion, if you said "I went to a theater/dentist/cinema/etc, the meaning would be essentially the same, except there's some emphasis on the fact that you didn't go to any particular dentist;
In my opinion, if you said "I went to a theater/dentist/cinema/etc, the meaning would be essentially the same, except there's some emphasis on the fact that you didn't go to any particular dentist;
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a theater doesn't tell your listener which theater. It could be any theater. a theatre doesn't pick out any particular theatre of the many thousands there are in the world.
the theater is a reference to a specific theater. Because of what you were talking about earlier, or because of the surroundings you are in, your listener will know which th
the theater is a reference to a specific theater. Because of what you were talking about earlier, or because of the surroundings you are in, your listener will know which th
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