Using A or THE in front of verb

Question

I would like to know , where do we really use A or The likeThe water fall in to a pipeThe fell down on the wall.here I used , A and THE , please clarify where to use.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

When the reader knows or can figure out what specific item you're refering to, use the definite article, "the."
When it's just any one, use the indefinite article, "a."

An airplane suddenly appeared on the horizon. (There's been no prior reference to the plane.)

The plane seemed to be heading straight for us! (Now we know exactly what plane we're talking about.)

IF you say, "The water was running down onto the wall," we're going to ask, "What wall?"

So the first time you mention the wall, you should say "a wall."

Or, you could describe the wall at the same time, and it would be okay to use "the."

"The water was running down onto the wall between my house and the garage."

We can say "the garage" because we can figure out we mean the garage which goes with my house.

MrPernickety · Answer

AvangiIF you say, "The water was running down onto the wall," we're going to ask, "What wall?"

Hi, Avangi

In your example, aren't we also going to ask "what water"? I mean, we did not specify what water was running. Or is it also implied and can be figured out?

Would it be O.K. to just say "Water was running down onto the wall"?

Thanks!

Avangi · Answer

MrPernickety In your example, aren't we also going to ask "what water"?

Hoist by my own petard!

Of course, you're right.

My stupid excuse is that I assumed it was covered in prior context.

Using A or THE in front of verb

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