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Aerohn Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Hello

Which is correct

*I was riding on the car, when I had read the message.

*I was riding in the car, when I had read the message.

*I was riding a car, when I had read the message.
  

Top answer

" I think this is one case where the "expression" trumps the rules for definite articles. That is, "the car" often does not refer to a definite car. (I guess it's arguable.

  • " I think this is one case where the "expression" trumps the rules for definite articles.
  • That is, "the car" often does not refer to a definite car.
  • (I guess it's arguable.
  • ) Sorry for the digression.
  • )
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8 Answers
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"Riding a car" and "riding on the car" are old fashioned expressions for travelling on a trolley, or "streetcar."

For automobiles, we use "riding in the car," or "riding in a car."

I think this is one case where the "expression" trumps the rules for definite articles.

That is, "the car" often does not refer to a definite car.

(I guess it's arguable. Some people
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It is possible...

Past Continuous + Past Perfect.

Like for instance

I was riding on the jeepney when I have read the message.
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aerohnI was riding on the jeepney when I have read the message.
The preposition works, but in my opinion the perfect tense does not.

Best regards, - A.
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AvangiThe preposition works, but in my opinion the perfect tense does not.

So, it should be:

I was riding on the jeepney when I read the message.

What about this one...

those words or that words?

when I was in highschool, my teacher said that
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AvangiThe preposition works, but in my opinion the perfect tense does not.
Right! It's wrong!

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aerohnWhat about this one...
those words or that words?
when I was in highschool, my teacher said that those is plural and that is singular.
As a demonstrative pronoun or adjective, "that" is singular. I'm afraid you have misspelled that word.
But you can say, "The words that/which she spoke are still ringing in my ears."
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Avangi"The words that/which she spoke are still ringing in my ears."
But how to use the those ? Is there any condition on how to use the plural form of that?
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"Those" is always plural - either a demonstrative adjective or a demonstrative pronoun.

"That" is a special case, because it's also a relative pronoun, an adverb, and a conjunction.

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