The streetcar

Question

Hi all,I am talking on the phone with a friend. There is a streetcar passing just outside. It's loud! I say to her:"Can you hear the streetcar?" I think "the" is correct, even if she can't see it and may not know what streetcar I am referring to (we're on the phone). Right?Can I say as well: "Can you hear a streetcar?" (I think "can you hear that streetcar" is best).

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

MariaRCI am talking on the phone with a friend. There is a streetcar passing just outside. It's loud! I say to her:"Can you hear the streetcar?" I think "the" is correct, even if she can't see it and may not know what streetcar I am referring to (we're on the phone). Right?

Right.

MariaRCCan I say as well: "Can you hear a streetcar?"

Yes, but it's not as good. She may think she's supposed to be hearing a streetcar where she is, or as a noise on the line. It's like you are hearing something that you think is a streetcar, and you're asking her to confirm it so you don't feel you're going crazy hearing streetcars in your head.

Compare: A husband and wife are sleeping. The wife hears some strange noise in the house. She wakes her husband. "Do you hear a strange noise in the kitchen?"

MariaRC(I think "can you hear that streetcar" is best).

It's hard to say. 'the' or 'that' will do fine.

CJ

MariaRC · Answer

Thank you, CJ! I understand what you mean.
Have a nice day!

Maria

The streetcar

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