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Jesusengland Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Sherlock Holmes was playing a violin when the visitor arrived. / He plays the violin

Hello.

The indefinite article is used:

  • to refer to something for the first time:
    An elephant and a mouse fell in love.
    Would you like a drink?
    I've finally got a good job.
  • to refer to a particular member of a group or class
    • Examples:

      • with names of jobs:
        John is a doctor.
        Mary is training to be an engineer.
        He wants to be a dancer.
      • with nationalities and religions:
        John is an Englishman.
        Kate is a Catholic.
      • with musical instruments:
        (BUT to describe the activity we say "He plays the violin.")


        • http://www.english4today.com/english...TERMINERS3.cfm

        But I can't understand the meaning with a in : Sherlock Holmes was playing a violin when the visitor arrived.



        What is the difference in meaning between these sentences?



        Thanks.





  

Top answer

-- He is skilled at that sort of instrument; he does not necessaruily have one. The usage with musical instruments is idiomatic. -- A specific but not defined instrument.

— Mister Micawber

  • -- He is skilled at that sort of instrument; he does not necessaruily have one.
  • The usage with musical instruments is idiomatic.
  • -- A specific but not defined instrument.
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1 Answers
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He plays the violin.-- He is skilled at that sort of instrument; he does not necessaruily have one. The usage with musical instruments is idiomatic.

Sherlock Holmes was playing a violin when the visitor arrived.-- A specific but not defined instrument.
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