I play clarinet

Question

"I play clarinet" or "I play the clarinet". Are both correct?

Falconer · Accepted Answer

In British English, the correct way is to use the definite article. This is because you are effectively talking about all instruments of that kind, e.g., "John plays the piano well" means that John can play any piano well. Compare this with similar structures such as "The eagle is a majestic bird" or "The heart is an indispensable organ." Whether or not the same holds true for American English, I cannot say.

In practice, this is often ignored, and it is more common to see the article used with some instruments than with others, e.g., you are more likely to come across "the piano" than "the guitar."

On a related note, it's worth keeping in mind that the article makes it clear that you are talking about an instrument and nothing else. While this is obvious when you are talking about a clarinet, piano, or guitar, there are cases where it is far less so. Compare:

"I play koto."
"I play the koto."

The former could be a sport, a game, an instrument, or something else entirely. The latter makes it clear that it is an instrument and nothing else.

OwenSA · Answer

Great answer. Thanks.

I play clarinet

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions