“have dinner” vs. “have a dinner”Use of the definite article “the” before “church”Using 'sat' and 'stood' as adjectives“-ing” verb + gerundIs the sentence structure correct? “I think he doesn't like it”It takes/requires/needs for someone to do somethingall he did was “ask” or “asking”?Splitting an InfinitiveIn the active voice, does the verb need to be transitive and have an object complement?Is “have went” gaining common currency in AmE and BrE?Concept of “getting involved”
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“have dinner” vs. “have a dinner”
Use of the definite article “the” before “church”Using 'sat' and 'stood' as adjectives“-ing” verb + gerundIs the sentence structure correct? “I think he doesn't like it”It takes/requires/needs for someone to do somethingall he did was “ask” or “asking”?Splitting an InfinitiveIn the active voice, does the verb need to be transitive and have an object complement?Is “have went” gaining common currency in AmE and BrE?Concept of “getting involved”
Hi I am a teacher of English in Argentina. I teach in 5 th grade ,primary school. I share the same grade with another teacher and I would like to be sure about certain points we teach differently. For example I teach verbs Have dinner , she teaches have a dinner. Which one is correct, both are accepted?
grammar indefinite-articles
edited Jun 8 '17 at 19:27
sumelic
49.8k8117224
asked Jun 8 '17 at 19:12
vecvec
1112
add a comment |
Hi I am a teacher of English in Argentina. I teach in 5 th grade ,primary school. I share the same grade with another teacher and I would like to be sure about certain points we teach differently. For example I teach verbs Have dinner , she teaches have a dinner. Which one is correct, both are accepted?
grammar indefinite-articles
edited Jun 8 '17 at 19:27
sumelic
49.8k8117224
asked Jun 8 '17 at 19:12
vecvec
1112
3
Welcome to English Language and Usage. Including an article would depend on the context. If it is a habitual everyday dinner, there is no need. If it is a special dinner, then an article may be used. Please edit your question to show the context.
– Cascabel
Jun 8 '17 at 21:21
1
'We had a dinner after we finished work' is unacceptable unless it means 'we were booked in for a dinner'. 'We had dinner when we got back' is idiomatic. But note the usage 'We had a dinner consisting totally of different vegetables last week'.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jun 8 '17 at 21:27
1
Whilst agreeing with both Cascabel and @Edwin Ashworth, I would just add, that if one is speaking of an organised dinner, to which many people are invited, then an article would be included. "The Women's Institute hold a dinner every year to which spouses and partners are invited". Or "I was at a dinner last night at which I sat next to a Member of Parliament". There are other circumstances too, where an indefinite article would be idiomatic.
– WS2
Aug 19 '18 at 17:55
add a comment |
Hi I am a teacher of English in Argentina. I teach in 5 th grade ,primary school. I share the same grade with another teacher and I would like to be sure about certain points we teach differently. For example I teach verbs Have dinner , she teaches have a dinner. Which one is correct, both are accepted?
grammar indefinite-articles
edited Jun 8 '17 at 19:27
sumelic
49.8k8117224
asked Jun 8 '17 at 19:12
vecvec
1112
Hi I am a teacher of English in Argentina. I teach in 5 th grade ,primary school. I share the same grade with another teacher and I would like to be sure about certain points we teach differently. For example I teach verbs Have dinner , she teaches have a dinner. Which one is correct, both are accepted?
grammar indefinite-articles
grammar indefinite-articles
edited Jun 8 '17 at 19:27
sumelic
49.8k8117224
asked Jun 8 '17 at 19:12
vecvec
1112
edited Jun 8 '17 at 19:27
sumelic
49.8k8117224
asked Jun 8 '17 at 19:12
vecvec
1112
edited Jun 8 '17 at 19:27
sumelic
49.8k8117224
edited Jun 8 '17 at 19:27
sumelic
49.8k8117224
edited Jun 8 '17 at 19:27
sumelic
49.8k8117224
49.8k8117224
asked Jun 8 '17 at 19:12
vecvec
1112
asked Jun 8 '17 at 19:12
vecvec
1112
asked Jun 8 '17 at 19:12
vecvec
1112
1112
3
Welcome to English Language and Usage. Including an article would depend on the context. If it is a habitual everyday dinner, there is no need. If it is a special dinner, then an article may be used. Please edit your question to show the context.
– Cascabel
Jun 8 '17 at 21:21
1
'We had a dinner after we finished work' is unacceptable unless it means 'we were booked in for a dinner'. 'We had dinner when we got back' is idiomatic. But note the usage 'We had a dinner consisting totally of different vegetables last week'.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jun 8 '17 at 21:27
1
Whilst agreeing with both Cascabel and @Edwin Ashworth, I would just add, that if one is speaking of an organised dinner, to which many people are invited, then an article would be included. "The Women's Institute hold a dinner every year to which spouses and partners are invited". Or "I was at a dinner last night at which I sat next to a Member of Parliament". There are other circumstances too, where an indefinite article would be idiomatic.
– WS2
Aug 19 '18 at 17:55
add a comment |
3
Welcome to English Language and Usage. Including an article would depend on the context. If it is a habitual everyday dinner, there is no need. If it is a special dinner, then an article may be used. Please edit your question to show the context.
– Cascabel
Jun 8 '17 at 21:21
1
'We had a dinner after we finished work' is unacceptable unless it means 'we were booked in for a dinner'. 'We had dinner when we got back' is idiomatic. But note the usage 'We had a dinner consisting totally of different vegetables last week'.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jun 8 '17 at 21:27
1
Whilst agreeing with both Cascabel and @Edwin Ashworth, I would just add, that if one is speaking of an organised dinner, to which many people are invited, then an article would be included. "The Women's Institute hold a dinner every year to which spouses and partners are invited". Or "I was at a dinner last night at which I sat next to a Member of Parliament". There are other circumstances too, where an indefinite article would be idiomatic.
– WS2
Aug 19 '18 at 17:55
3
3
Welcome to English Language and Usage. Including an article would depend on the context. If it is a habitual everyday dinner, there is no need. If it is a special dinner, then an article may be used. Please edit your question to show the context.
– Cascabel
Jun 8 '17 at 21:21
Welcome to English Language and Usage. Including an article would depend on the context. If it is a habitual everyday dinner, there is no need. If it is a special dinner, then an article may be used. Please edit your question to show the context.
– Cascabel
Jun 8 '17 at 21:21
1
1
'We had a dinner after we finished work' is unacceptable unless it means 'we were booked in for a dinner'. 'We had dinner when we got back' is idiomatic. But note the usage 'We had a dinner consisting totally of different vegetables last week'.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jun 8 '17 at 21:27
'We had a dinner after we finished work' is unacceptable unless it means 'we were booked in for a dinner'. 'We had dinner when we got back' is idiomatic. But note the usage 'We had a dinner consisting totally of different vegetables last week'.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jun 8 '17 at 21:27
1
1
Whilst agreeing with both Cascabel and @Edwin Ashworth, I would just add, that if one is speaking of an organised dinner, to which many people are invited, then an article would be included. "The Women's Institute hold a dinner every year to which spouses and partners are invited". Or "I was at a dinner last night at which I sat next to a Member of Parliament". There are other circumstances too, where an indefinite article would be idiomatic.
– WS2
Aug 19 '18 at 17:55
Whilst agreeing with both Cascabel and @Edwin Ashworth, I would just add, that if one is speaking of an organised dinner, to which many people are invited, then an article would be included. "The Women's Institute hold a dinner every year to which spouses and partners are invited". Or "I was at a dinner last night at which I sat next to a Member of Parliament". There are other circumstances too, where an indefinite article would be idiomatic.
– WS2
Aug 19 '18 at 17:55
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
Both of them are correct. But yes, they do mean different. I feel that 'have a dinner' refers to event and 'have dinner' refers to actual supper someone(maybe speaker) going to have. For example, "We have a dinner planned at Joe's, hurry up!" showed that speaker has 'event of dinner' and "Have dinner son, we are camping out in lawn." showed that speaker is telling to his son to finish(start and finish) supper.
I have used these words like this, maybe wrong.
answered Aug 19 '18 at 14:30
Nikhil JagtapNikhil Jagtap
372
add a comment |
When one says "have a dinner, it would be referring to a formal feast or banquet (see definition 1b). On the other hand, if one says "have dinner" (without an indefinite article), it would mean having the main meal of the day. (See definition 1a.)
add a comment |
There was a good restaurant near the cinema and Joan decided to have a/__dinner there.
Which one is correct?
answered 6 mins ago
Dastan MambetovDastan Mambetov
1
New contributor
Dastan Mambetov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
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3 Answers
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3 Answers
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Both of them are correct. But yes, they do mean different. I feel that 'have a dinner' refers to event and 'have dinner' refers to actual supper someone(maybe speaker) going to have. For example, "We have a dinner planned at Joe's, hurry up!" showed that speaker has 'event of dinner' and "Have dinner son, we are camping out in lawn." showed that speaker is telling to his son to finish(start and finish) supper.
I have used these words like this, maybe wrong.
answered Aug 19 '18 at 14:30
Nikhil JagtapNikhil Jagtap
372
add a comment |
Both of them are correct. But yes, they do mean different. I feel that 'have a dinner' refers to event and 'have dinner' refers to actual supper someone(maybe speaker) going to have. For example, "We have a dinner planned at Joe's, hurry up!" showed that speaker has 'event of dinner' and "Have dinner son, we are camping out in lawn." showed that speaker is telling to his son to finish(start and finish) supper.
I have used these words like this, maybe wrong.
answered Aug 19 '18 at 14:30
Nikhil JagtapNikhil Jagtap
372
add a comment |
Both of them are correct. But yes, they do mean different. I feel that 'have a dinner' refers to event and 'have dinner' refers to actual supper someone(maybe speaker) going to have. For example, "We have a dinner planned at Joe's, hurry up!" showed that speaker has 'event of dinner' and "Have dinner son, we are camping out in lawn." showed that speaker is telling to his son to finish(start and finish) supper.
I have used these words like this, maybe wrong.
answered Aug 19 '18 at 14:30
Nikhil JagtapNikhil Jagtap
372
Both of them are correct. But yes, they do mean different. I feel that 'have a dinner' refers to event and 'have dinner' refers to actual supper someone(maybe speaker) going to have. For example, "We have a dinner planned at Joe's, hurry up!" showed that speaker has 'event of dinner' and "Have dinner son, we are camping out in lawn." showed that speaker is telling to his son to finish(start and finish) supper.
I have used these words like this, maybe wrong.
answered Aug 19 '18 at 14:30
Nikhil JagtapNikhil Jagtap
372
answered Aug 19 '18 at 14:30
Nikhil JagtapNikhil Jagtap
372
answered Aug 19 '18 at 14:30
Nikhil JagtapNikhil Jagtap
372
answered Aug 19 '18 at 14:30
Nikhil JagtapNikhil Jagtap
372
372
add a comment |
add a comment |
When one says "have a dinner, it would be referring to a formal feast or banquet (see definition 1b). On the other hand, if one says "have dinner" (without an indefinite article), it would mean having the main meal of the day. (See definition 1a.)
add a comment |
When one says "have a dinner, it would be referring to a formal feast or banquet (see definition 1b). On the other hand, if one says "have dinner" (without an indefinite article), it would mean having the main meal of the day. (See definition 1a.)
add a comment |
When one says "have a dinner, it would be referring to a formal feast or banquet (see definition 1b). On the other hand, if one says "have dinner" (without an indefinite article), it would mean having the main meal of the day. (See definition 1a.)
When one says "have a dinner, it would be referring to a formal feast or banquet (see definition 1b). On the other hand, if one says "have dinner" (without an indefinite article), it would mean having the main meal of the day. (See definition 1a.)
answered Aug 19 '18 at 17:44
user305707
add a comment |
add a comment |
There was a good restaurant near the cinema and Joan decided to have a/__dinner there.
Which one is correct?
answered 6 mins ago
Dastan MambetovDastan Mambetov
1
New contributor
Dastan Mambetov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
There was a good restaurant near the cinema and Joan decided to have a/__dinner there.
Which one is correct?
answered 6 mins ago
Dastan MambetovDastan Mambetov
1
New contributor
Dastan Mambetov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
There was a good restaurant near the cinema and Joan decided to have a/__dinner there.
Which one is correct?
answered 6 mins ago
Dastan MambetovDastan Mambetov
1
New contributor
Dastan Mambetov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
There was a good restaurant near the cinema and Joan decided to have a/__dinner there.
Which one is correct?
answered 6 mins ago
Dastan MambetovDastan Mambetov
1
New contributor
Dastan Mambetov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 6 mins ago
Dastan MambetovDastan Mambetov
1
New contributor
Dastan Mambetov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 6 mins ago
Dastan MambetovDastan Mambetov
1
answered 6 mins ago
Dastan MambetovDastan Mambetov
1
1
New contributor
Dastan Mambetov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Dastan Mambetov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Dastan Mambetov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
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Welcome to English Language and Usage. Including an article would depend on the context. If it is a habitual everyday dinner, there is no need. If it is a special dinner, then an article may be used. Please edit your question to show the context.
– Cascabel
Jun 8 '17 at 21:21
1
'We had a dinner after we finished work' is unacceptable unless it means 'we were booked in for a dinner'. 'We had dinner when we got back' is idiomatic. But note the usage 'We had a dinner consisting totally of different vegetables last week'.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jun 8 '17 at 21:27
1
Whilst agreeing with both Cascabel and @Edwin Ashworth, I would just add, that if one is speaking of an organised dinner, to which many people are invited, then an article would be included. "The Women's Institute hold a dinner every year to which spouses and partners are invited". Or "I was at a dinner last night at which I sat next to a Member of Parliament". There are other circumstances too, where an indefinite article would be idiomatic.
– WS2
Aug 19 '18 at 17:55