Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[nawee]

Hello,

Which is correct "the guy in [the/a] white jacket"? If both are possible, how do they differ? Can you give me an example of a situation in which one is more suitable than others?

Thanks,

Nawee

[asterix]

In my opinion, The guy in the white jacket is correct. This distinguishes him from other people who were not wearing a white jacket.
For example the cops have three people who were in a car that was involved in a traffic accident. Only one of them is wearing a white jacket. They ask you if you saw who was driving. You say, "The guy in the white jacket".


If you say, A guy in a white jacket it is a general description of a man, whose only distinguishing feature was that he was wearing a white jacket.

For example if someone asks you who delivered a package, you might say, "It was a guy in a white jacket."

[myprofe]

[nawee]

So if I'm at a party and want to point out a particular guy who is wearing a white jacket (no one else wears a jacket.), I should say, "Look at the guy in a white jacket. He's cute."

Many thanks in advance,

Nawee

[myprofe]

Yes, I think you can say that although in that sentence I would say: Look at the guy in the white jacket.

This is because you are pointing at him.

But this is what would be incorrect:

There was a guy in the white jacket.

This is because the use of the definite article indicates that we all know which white jacket you are talking about.

Look!

John has three jackets; a black jacket, a blue jacket and a white jacket. In the summer he likes to wear the white jacket, not a white jacket, because we are referring to a specific white jacket.
_________________
I'm never going to learn if you don't correct my mistakes!

[nawee]

What about the following scenario?

I went to a party last night with a friend. This morning, I talk to my friend about someone I met at the party.

A: Mike looked so cute last night.
B: Which one was Mike?
A: The guy in [the/a] white jacket.
B: Ah, right. Yes, he looked great.

Does it make any difference if there were other people in white jackets too?

Thank you,

Nawee

[myprofe]

I went to a party last night with a friend.

Fine, you were both at the party and you both saw Mike. So we're not going to say: "There was a guy ....

Mike was the guy in [the/a] white jacket.

Both forms are correct for me.

But, if more than one person was wearing a white jacket then you have to say "a" white jacket and your description of Mike has to be more complete.

Mike was the "tall" guy in a white jacket.

Mike was the guy in a white jacket "and red shirt".
_________________
I'm never going to learn if you don't correct my mistakes!