'a' and 'the' rule

[SecurityLinux]

Hi,

I'm sorry, I'm confusing about something and I hope that you can help me.

when can I put 'a' and 'the'

Could I know a grammar rule about this part ?

beacuse sometime they are say ' the water ' and ' a water ' .


Sincerely yours,

[englishhobby]

"a" usually means "one, any of this sort", "the" means "the one you and me both know about". So keep the meaning of the articles in mind when making sentences. "A water" makes no sense because it means "one water" (in certain context though it sounds OK).

[Barb_D]

Actually, in a restaurant, it's quite common to ask for things that are usually not countable with "a."

I'd like a water, she'd like a Coke, and he'd like a coffee, please. That means a glass of water, a serving of Coke, a cup of coffee.

"A" and "the" can be among the hardest things to learn in English. Don't worry if you don't get it at once.