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Pastsimple Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
on (the) TV
Some time ago, I saw a textbook for beginners - to my surprise, it said that you could use the definite articles in sentences like "What's on the TV?"
To be honest, I've never used the article in this expression. E.g.:
I saw the president on TV yesterday.
You can see it on TV every Friday.
What's on TV tonight?
But I'd say There is a flowerpot on the TV. (meaning on top of the TV set).
Could you please decide who's right? Me or the textbook? I have a strange feeling that this might be the situation when either is possible.
To be honest, I've never used the article in this expression. E.g.:
I saw the president on TV yesterday.
You can see it on TV every Friday.
What's on TV tonight?
But I'd say There is a flowerpot on the TV. (meaning on top of the TV set).
Could you please decide who's right? Me or the textbook? I have a strange feeling that this might be the situation when either is possible.
Top answer
Presumably the textbook did not go on to answer, "There's a flowerpot on the TV"! on TV is the expression, just as you say. CJ
- Presumably the textbook did not go on to answer, "There's a flowerpot on the TV"!
- on TV is the expression, just as you say.
- CJ
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13 Answers
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Presumably the textbook did not go on to answer, "There's a flowerpot on the TV"!
on TV is the expression, just as you say.
CJ
on TV is the expression, just as you say.
CJ
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I'd agree, and would say the same for "on the television" vs "on television".
But "on the telly" seems to be more common than "on telly".
MrP
But "on the telly" seems to be more common than "on telly".
MrP
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Has anyone else thought of the Monty Python sketch with the penguin on the telly while reading this tread?
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CalifJimPresumably the textbook did not go on to answer, "There's a flowerpot on the TV"!Yes, you're right there. It did not.
on TV is the expression, just as you say.
CJ
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Grammar GeekHas anyone else thought of the Monty Python sketch with the penguin on the telly while reading this tread?I'm afraid I don't know that one
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It's a scene with two "women" (they are men dressed as women) in a room with a television and there is a penguin on top of the televion.
One says "What's that on the telly" and the other say "Looks like a penguin." It doesn't sound it here, but it's a very funny bit. The scene continues on, but this discussion about the difference between "what is on top of" versus "what program is being
One says "What's that on the telly" and the other say "Looks like a penguin." It doesn't sound it here, but it's a very funny bit. The scene continues on, but this discussion about the difference between "what is on top of" versus "what program is being
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Thank you, GG. I'm a fan of them, so it's not hard for me to imagine how hilarious it can be. Along the same lines, i cannot hear the word "quest" without thinking of them. What was the film?
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Oh yes, of course! (but with only one 'l', maybe? 
)
(sorry, sorry! [F] )
)(sorry, sorry! [F] )
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