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learner12
Joined: 18 Nov 2006
Posts: 730
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 Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 8:27 pm Post subject: patient or a patient |
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Hello, teachers!!
(1) While I was in the hospital, I learned how important it is to be patient.
(2) While I was in the hospital, I learned how important it is to be a patient.
I am not sure which sentence is correct. I mean, do you definitely need "a" in (2)?
Also, I don't understand when you need "a" in English sentence.
Thank you in advance. |
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Bob S.
Joined: 29 Apr 2004
Posts: 1767
Location: So. Cal
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| Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 2:25 pm Post subject: Re: patient or a patient |
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| learner12 wrote: |
(1) While I was in the hospital, I learned how important it is to be patient.
(2) While I was in the hospital, I learned how important it is to be a patient.
I am not sure which sentence is correct. I mean, do you definitely need "a" in (2)?
Also, I don't understand when you need "a" in English sentence.. |
The question is about identifying homonyms and which to use in a situation.
Patient (adjective) means the ability to wait calmly.
Patient (noun) is a sick or injured person under the care of a doctor.
In this case, the adjective makes more sense: I learned how important it is to be able to wait calmly. |
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learner12
Joined: 18 Nov 2006
Posts: 730
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| Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 6:36 pm Post subject: |
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Dear Bob S.:
Thank you so much for your quick response.
I learned a lot from you today.
Take care and have a nice day!! |
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