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Seagull Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

The use of adverbial phrases

Regarding the three sentences below:

(A) If it rains on the day, I will pick you up at your place.

(B) If it rains on that day, I will pick you up at your place.

(C) If it rains that day, I will pick you up at your place.

I think it's okay with (A), and maybe with (B). Then, what about (C)? I think it's somewhat unnatural, though I can't explain exactly why. What do you think?
  

Top answer

seagull What do you think? Actually, it's (A) that's the strange one. (B) and (C) are fine.

— CalifJim

  • seagull What do you think?
  • Actually, it's (A) that's the strange one.
  • (B) and (C) are fine.
  • In the case of (A), a relative clause after "day" will make it sound better.
  • Otherwise, "the" seems to be "hanging loose" from anything that helps define what "the day" is.
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4 Answers
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seagullWhat do you think?
Actually, it's (A) that's the strange one. (B) and (C) are fine.

In the case of (A), a relative clause after "day" will make it sound better. Otherwise, "the" seems to be "hanging loose" from anything that helps define what "the day" is.

If it rains on the day (that) we agreed to go the game, I will ...
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Thank you very much indeed, CalifJim.
I understand. I think that I've learned a little more about the definite article, thanks to you.
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'The day' works for me, a speaker of BrE,
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I understand.
Thank you very much indeed, Fivejedjon.
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