MariaRC Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
A/the washroom
Hi all,
I am trying to finesse my understanding of article usage.
(In someone's house, I am a guide):
And this is a bathroom.
My interpretation: I don't think you know what a bathroom is, so here is something we call a bathroom.
And this is the bathroom
My interpretation: every house has one, everyone knows that and this is it, the bathroom.
Above, "the" seems more natural and polite.
Can "a bathroom" be used in a descriptive sense? For example, I am in a restaurant and there's a very odd washroom there that doesn't look like a restaurant washroom. So I say (I am a guide):
What do you think this is? It's a washroom!
What do you think this is? It's the washroom!
Either looks correct to me, but I thought I would check with you.
Thank you,
Maria
I am trying to finesse my understanding of article usage.
(In someone's house, I am a guide):
And this is a bathroom.
My interpretation: I don't think you know what a bathroom is, so here is something we call a bathroom.
And this is the bathroom
My interpretation: every house has one, everyone knows that and this is it, the bathroom.
Above, "the" seems more natural and polite.
Can "a bathroom" be used in a descriptive sense? For example, I am in a restaurant and there's a very odd washroom there that doesn't look like a restaurant washroom. So I say (I am a guide):
What do you think this is? It's a washroom!
What do you think this is? It's the washroom!
Either looks correct to me, but I thought I would check with you.
Thank you,
Maria
Top answer
"Bathroom" is probably the more common usage. So my examples will use that term. " However, if there are several washrooms, you could use "a washroom to indicate one of many.
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"Bathroom" is probably the more common usage. So my examples will use that term.
I would assume people know what a washroom is, so normally you would use "the washroom."
However, if there are several washrooms, you could use "a washroom to indicate one of many. You could also indicate by "a washroom" any washroom whatsoever.
Q. What is in there? (Touring the house)
A. I
I would assume people know what a washroom is, so normally you would use "the washroom."
However, if there are several washrooms, you could use "a washroom to indicate one of many. You could also indicate by "a washroom" any washroom whatsoever.
Q. What is in there? (Touring the house)
A. I
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Doctor DDoes this help?Thank you, yes, it certainly does!! Thanks a lot!
Have a nice day!
Maria
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