by (the) metro/MRT

[sitifan]

1. I go to work by MRT.
2. I go to work by the MRT.
3. I go to work by metro.
4. I go to work by the metro.
Which of the above sentences are correct or more natural?
Thanks a lot for your reply.

[2006]

1. I go to work by MRT.
2. I go to work by the MRT.
3. I go to work by metro.
4. I go to work by the metro.
Which of the above sentences are correct or more natural?
Thanks a lot for your reply.

All are okay.

[sitifan]

5. I go to work by bus.
6. I go to work by the bus.
How about the above sentences?

[Linguist__]

(Not a teacher)

No. Only "I go by bus".

I think it can be explained as follows: 'The metro' is a fixed line/route, you only use one metro service. There are many buses that take many different routes, so the definate article isn't appropriate. Perhaps this is wrong.

Note that when you use the verb 'take', you always use the definate article, regardless of the mode of transportation:

I take the car.
I take the bus.
I take the train.
I take the metro.

[2006]

(Not a teacher)

No. Only "I go by bus".

I agree.

[sitifan]

(Not a teacher)

No. Only "I go by bus".

I think it can be explained as follows: 'The metro' is a fixed line/route, you only use one metro service. There are many buses that take many different routes, so the definate article isn't appropriate. Perhaps this is wrong.

Note that when you use the verb 'take', you always use the definate article, regardless of the mode of transportation:

I take the car.
I take the bus.
I take the train.
I take the metro.

1. I took a taxi to Taipei.
2. I took the taxi to Taipei.
Which of the above sentences is acceptable?

[Kondorosi]

1. I took a taxi to Taipei.
2. I took the taxi to Taipei.
Which of the above sentences is acceptable?

The first sentence has generic reference; the second sentence has a specific one.