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"Just a moment please" the shop-assistant said. "That's all right"
the customer answered.
Please tell me if i can use the indefinite article before the nouns instead of the definite article.
Пожалуйста, скажите, если я использую перед продавцом и покупателем неопределенный артикль, как меня поймут.
4 de sep. de 2023 14:44
Respuestas · 7
1
For 'Just a moment' the indefinite article is correct to use in this case. For polite requests like this we use the indefinite:
'Give me a chance.'
'I need a moment/minute/second to catch my breath.'
To use 'the moment/minute/second' is more likely to be used when recalling something from the past or something of great significance in the future:
'I still remember the moment I met you.'
'The second I walked in to the room, I was terrified.'
'You have to call and tell me the second you find out what happened.'
Using the definite article when referring to a moment/minute/second is usually done when it has great significance; in the case of a canned expression like 'Just a moment' it's not an important, significance moment so we then use it with the indefinite article.
4 de septiembre de 2023
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Константин
Competencias lingüísticas
Inglés, Ruso, Ucraniano
Idioma de aprendizaje
Inglés
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