Google
English-Test.net
Find penpals and make new friends today!
 
to come near to; to tackle (a problem or situation)
approach
grasp
conjure
enter
TOEIC practice test: Word quizzes: Free Online Verb Noun Game Answer
 
Username
Password
 Remember me? 
Search   FAQ   Memberlist   Profile   Private messages   Register   Log in 

Usage of articles: A definition of the/a/(none) chair.



 
ESL/EFL Worksheets and Handouts for Students Printable, photocopiable, clearly structured
Designed for teachers and individual learners
For use in a classroom, at home, on your PC
ESL Forums | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
I've drunk two cups of tea this morning. vs I drank two cups of tea this morning. | Pronunciation of "mobile" in "mobile phone"?
Listening exercises
Message
Author
Usage of articles: A definition of the/a/(none) chair. #1 (permalink) Sat Jun 07, 2008 16:20 pm   Usage of articles: A definition of the/a/(none) chair.
 

I am wondering which of the following phrases is correct:

a definition of a chair
a definition of the chair
a definition of chair

Perhaps they are all correct. Does the answer change if the word definition is replaced by concept?

Could you lend me a helping hand, please?
Twin
You can meet me at english-test.net


Joined: 02 Jul 2006
Posts: 50

Usage of articles: A definition of the/a/(none) chair. #2 (permalink) Sun Jun 08, 2008 5:03 am   Usage of articles: A definition of the/a/(none) chair.
 

Interesting! I am not very sure but I think,

1. a definition of a chair = a definition of a thing so called 'chair'
2. a definition of the chair = a definition of the specific chair refered by the speaker.
3. a definition of chair = a definition of the thing called 'chair'

My two cents.
Haihao
I'm a Communicator ;-)


Joined: 26 Oct 2006
Posts: 1392
Location: Japan

Are you a native speaker of English? Then you should read this!Learn all about English adverbs in this amusing storyHere is all you want to know about English! Click to subscribe to free email English courseEnglish grammar exercises — improve your English knowledge and vocabulary skills
Usage of articles: A definition of the/a/(none) chair. #3 (permalink) Tue Jun 10, 2008 14:55 pm   Usage of articles: A definition of the/a/(none) chair.
 

Can "a definition of the chair" refer not to a specific chair (the one that has just been mentioned) but to the whole category of chairs similarly to the way in which the computer in "The computer has revolutionized the way we're living" refers to the whole category of computers and not to a specific one?
Twin
You can meet me at english-test.net


Joined: 02 Jul 2006
Posts: 50

Usage of articles: A definition of the/a/(none) chair. #4 (permalink) Wed Jun 11, 2008 1:55 am   Usage of articles: A definition of the/a/(none) chair.
 

I think it can, of course. Everything depends on context, I think. Maybe irrelevant and you may know it well enough that in a certain context, such expressions as 'I is', 'I says', 'A I ...' etc. are all possible. Smile
Haihao
I'm a Communicator ;-)


Joined: 26 Oct 2006
Posts: 1392
Location: Japan

Display posts from previous:   
I've drunk two cups of tea this morning. vs I drank two cups of tea this morning. | Pronunciation of "mobile" in "mobile phone"?
ESL Forums | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms Usage of articles: A definition of the/a/(none) chair. All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Page 1 of 1
Latest topics on ESL EFL Forums
Expression: "Although he has got a lot of potential..."Help me with this exerciseBurning comma questionThe best way to inscribe a diary?Finding mistake (The jumping mouse , especially when...)"Walking on the footpath" vs "Walking along the footpath"At the best of times - what does it mean?Usage of "such as to"rise to the challenge v.s. rise to the occasionSentence: From the article, it is difficult to assess the activity of Mr. X'So' is placed before a verb?Usage of latelyproblem with mean of a phrase! - "yet in still"So difficult to understand! When she came a clear first out of the 530 candidatesPrivate 'malaciers' and 'Depo dubs'Usage of "the common man"complicate vs. complicatedLIFE and LIVE are differentUsage of articles: A definition of the/a/(none) chair.

Discover English-test.net
What is a storyteller?I haven't heard VERSUS I haven't informedMeaning of "demand"meaning of honest personpile together wawyTOEIC practice test: ESL English Vocabulary: English VerbsTOEIC practice test: Online word games: Free Verb QuizDefine reply, feed, depart, pertain, set up, appearVocab words: English verbs nounsWords that homophones: Listen and Improve Your EnglishEnglish grammar quiz: Hedge Funds

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Subscribe to FREE email English course
First name E-mail