Quote:
Originally Posted by Mariner  It's not only about the article, but also the use of comma. I believe that we can treat it the same way as in sentences like:
I gave the book to a neighbor, who is tall
vs.
I gave the book to the neighbor who is tall
The second one, implies that we gave the book to the tall neighbor (and not the short one, for example). |
I agree, but the "who" clause modifies "neighbor in both cases" With the comma, the information is viewed to be accessory; without the comma it is viewed as being essential/defining. In both cases, however, the neighber is tall.
{quote]Similarly, I think that
We went along a dirt road that led down into the valley where there was a pond implies that from all the valleys, the road led down into the valley where there was a pond.
At least that's how I would perceive the difference[/quote]
I agree, but as above, the clause with the pond describes the valley. IMO.