sentence transformation 2

[hela]

Dear teachers,

Please tell me why should we change the indifinite article into a definite one, if that is necessary:

I felt that it had been a mistake to write a letter. =
a) I regretted ever having written the / that letter.
b) I regretted ever having written A letter.

Thanks again,
Hela

[Casiopea]

Does the first line introduce a) and b)?

I felt that it had been a mistake to write a letter (as opposed to calling or speaking to X in person).

a) I regretted ever having written the / that letter. (a previously mentioned letter)
b) I regretted ever having written a letter. (as opposed to calling or speaking to X in person)

[hela]

So you think that b) is closer in meaning to the original sentence than a) ?

[Casiopea]

Originally Posted by hela

So you think that b) is closer in meaning to the original sentence than a) ?

I couldn't say without context, Hela. Moreover, what exactly is the question? Is the first line equated to a) and b) or does it introduce a) and b). Please be more specific.

[hela]

I have to transform :

“I felt that it had been a mistake to write a letter.” Into another sentence starting with:
“I regretted ever…” and this last sentence should mean exactly the same as “I felt that it had been a mistake to write a letter.”


So which one would be the exact equivalent: a) or b) ?


a) I regretted ever having written the / that letter.
b) I regretted ever having written A letter.


Thank you very much.