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Purple build Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Win (the) first place (*)

Hello,

Could you please explain when the definite article can be omitted in (*) and when using the article is mandatory?

Which of the following examples are grammatical?

(1) He never won first place in anything in his life.

(2) He never won the first place in anything in his life.

(3) It was John Ladd who won first place in that race.

(4) It was John Ladd who won the first place in that race.

Thank you in advance

muscovite
  

Top answer

Hi, Let me comment that the term 'first place' seems unnecessary. I'd just say 'He won . .

— Clive

  • Hi, Let me comment that the term 'first place' seems unnecessary.
  • I'd just say 'He won .
  • .
  • '.
  • Clive
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3 Answers
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Hi,

Let me comment that the term 'first place' seems unnecessary.

I'd just say 'He won . . . '.

Clive
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Thanks for the feedback, Clive!

In fact, I'd like you to focus on the "article usage" here...

Let's change "win (the) first place" to say "take (the) first place"...

What I am trying to figure out in the first place :-) is whether the definite article can be omitted in say "he never took (the) first place in anything" ( assuming this example makes sense )

mus
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I would like to thank Richard for coming in first place at the bowling alley.

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