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Sarunnio Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Take the lead/take a lead

As above suggests, when I was watching a NBA game, a commentator said "Utah Jazz takes the lead.".

Why not it be "take a lead"?
and when we can use one with 'a'?

Thanks in advance,
  

Top answer

Interesting question. I suppose it has to do with specicifity, as is usually the case with the word 'the'. In any given game, only one team can be leading at any given time.

— Yankee

  • Interesting question.
  • I suppose it has to do with specicifity, as is usually the case with the word 'the'.
  • In any given game, only one team can be leading at any given time.
  • I suppose the very first leading situation that arises in a game might sometimes be referred to as 'a lead'.
  • However, thereafter we will always be referring to 'the lead' for that specific game.
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2 Answers
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Interesting question. I suppose it has to do with specicifity, as is usually the case with the word 'the'. In any given game, only one team can be leading at any given time. I suppose the very first leading situation that arises in a game might sometimes be referred to as 'a lead'. However, thereafter we will always be referring to 'the lead' for that specific game.

On the other hand, if
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Thank you Yankee.

I've got a better understanding as you suggested.

For the question you didn't understand, I meant to ask you "when do we use 'take a lead'"?

From my understanding, I think we can use "take a lead" in a situation where we first get into the game. No one has ever taken a lead in the game yet. it expresses non-specified reference.
Not sure if I'm cor
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