I like playing the flute(s)

[Winwin2011]

1. I like apples.
2. I like playing the trumpet(s).

In sentence 2, should we add 's' after the trumpet?


Thanks for your help.

 

[bhaisahab]

1. I like apples.
2. I like playing the trumpet(s).

In sentence 2, should we add 's' after the trumpet?


Thanks for your help.

No.

 

[Winwin2011]

No.

Thanks a lot, Moderator bhaisahab.

We have to put 'the' before musical instruments.

My kid asked me the following questions:-
1. 1. I like apples. (Apple must be in plural)
2. I like playing the trumpet. (Why can't we put "s" after the trumpet?)

Thanks.

 

[5jj]

I like playing the trumpet. (Why can't we put "s" after the trumpet?)

I assume that you play only one trumpet at a time.

 

[BobSmith]

But, I like to eat one apple at a time.

[not a teacher]

For eating, I like apples. I like eating apples.

For playing, I like trumpets. I like playing trumpets.

For still life painting, I like the apple. I like painting the apple.

For orchestra, I like the trumpet. I like playing the trumpet.

Why is this? I’ll let smarter more knowledgeable people explain.