Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[SUBLIME]

Hi, there!

(1) I play the guitar.
(2) I play guitar.
(3) I play a guitar.

What's the differences between the 3 sentences? NO differences?

Thank you for your help.

[Nef]

(1) I play the guitar.
(2) I play guitar.
(3) I play a guitar.

What's the differences between the 3 sentences? NO differences?
_________________________________________________________

Sentences 1 and 2 mean the same thing (the speaker or writer knows how to play that musical instrument). 3 usually is not used because it is overly specific (playing ONE guitar and only one guitar).

[SUBLIME]

Dear Nef,

Thank you for your great explanations.
I understood the differences.

Best regards,
SUBLIME

[Shinae]

Hi,

Then, how come I see a lot of grammar books giving somewhat restrictive guidance as to how to write when using the names of musical intruments - telling us to include the article "the" when writing with the words of musical instruments?

[lotus]

Hi SUBLIME,

QUOTE:
(1) I play the guitar.
(2) I play guitar.
(3) I play a guitar.

The three phrases can be used in valid sentences. They are below (from general to specific).

What do you want to learn?
I want to learn how to play guitar. (general)

What instrument do you want to learn?
I want to learn to how play a guitar. (more specific)

What instrument do you know how to play?
I know how to play the guitar. (very specific)


--lotus