David Drysdale (X) Dec 4, 2009:

Having a passion for "theater" . . . That sounds a little bit like the individual is an actor/actress . . .

Marlene Curtis Dec 4, 2009:

Brilliant Gilla! As experienced translators, we all know the grammatical rules by heart and some people even tend to recite them to prove a point. However, as you so wisely stated, it's the current use of the language that really matters in the end...

Evans (X) Dec 4, 2009:

articles We all know the rules, but the thing with languages is that usage often defies them. The use of articles is one of the most difficult things for a non-native speaker to get right precisely for this reason. The case in point: I would always say "I have a passion for the theatre" but "I have a passion for books". Grammar seeks to impose regulation where often none exists. Languages break rules all the time - it's why we love them.

Marlene Curtis Dec 3, 2009:

See the correct link below http://www.jewish-theatre.com/visitor/article_display.aspx?a...

It works!

Erik Bry Dec 3, 2009:

indefinite & definite articles There is a reason they are called indefinite & definite articles.

a = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same objects) with consonants
She has a dog.
I work in a factory.
an = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same objects) with vowels (a,e,i,o,u)
Can I have an apple?
She is an English teacher.

the = definite article (a specific object that both the person speaking and the listener know)
The car over there is fast.
The teacher is very good, isn't he?

DO NOT use an article when you are speaking about things in general!
I like Russian tea.
She likes reading books.

theater = the act of performing dramatic literature, dramatic representation as an art or profession
the theater = the place where "theater" is performed

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/540/01/

Marlene Curtis Dec 3, 2009:

Correct link http://www.jewish-theatre.com/visitor/article_display.aspx?a...

Marlene Curtis Dec 3, 2009:

XXX All About Jewish Theatre - A passion for the Theatre
I have a passion for the theatre. I love the simple exchange of people sitting in a room together and breathing the same air and experiencing the same story ...
www.jewish-theatre.com/visitor/article_display.aspx

Verginia Ophof Dec 3, 2009:

"the" absolutely right Erik!..... difference between UK and US

Erik Bry Dec 3, 2009:

no article before "theater" The article "the" shouldn't be used here. It's not a "specific" theater. For example: "The Wilkinshire Theater". It's "theater" in general. This is a carry over from the translator's native tongue.