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New2grammar Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
the piano
Now 16 and a pupil at The Purcell School of Music, he also plays the piano and sings and hopes to become a professional tuba player or singer. ...
I believe 'the piano' here does not refer to a specific piano. If I were the writer I'd leave the definite article out. Is 'the' neccessary in this context and what additional information does it provide?
Thanks in advance!
I believe 'the piano' here does not refer to a specific piano. If I were the writer I'd leave the definite article out. Is 'the' neccessary in this context and what additional information does it provide?
Thanks in advance!
Top answer
In my opinion, the is necessary when speaking of playing specifically mentioned musical instruments. It provides no additional information, but it is included anyway. ] CJ
- In my opinion, the is necessary when speaking of playing specifically mentioned musical instruments.
- It provides no additional information, but it is included anyway.
- ] CJ
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5 Answers
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In my opinion, the is necessary when speaking of playing specifically mentioned musical instruments. It provides no additional information, but it is included anyway. to play [the flute, the guitar, the violin, the piano, ...]
CJ
CJ
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Hi N2G
It is common to use 'the' when we talk about someone who can play a particular musical instrument:
He can play the piano.
She plays the flute very well.
It is common to use 'the' when we talk about someone who can play a particular musical instrument:
He can play the piano.
She plays the flute very well.
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Your analysis is correct. Strangely enough we usually omit the article when a specific instrument is in mind. He's playing tuba in the band concert tomorrow night. But, He's well known for his solos on the tuba. She plays piano with a band at a local night club. What is his instrument? He plays the trumpet, but he also plays trombone. Will you be playing guitar tonight or b
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When you listen to a disk jockey on the radio describing jazz groups, the article is almost always omitted. The first cut featured Joe Blow on tenor sax. Sometimes if there's an unusual instrument, the article will be used. John Doe played trumpet on the first track, but on the second track he solos on the flugel horn.
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