Anything wrong with B's answer, IYO?
A: What would you like to drink, miss?
B: I'd like a water, please.
A: What would you like to drink, miss?
B: I'd like a water, please.
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Using "water".
Anything wrong with B's answer, IYO?
A: What would you like to drink, miss? B: I'd like a water, please.
No. "a water" is commonly said. I personally would probably say "some water", though.
Strangely enough, in this particular context, 'a water' is fine.
The reason is: if you as for 'water' in a Pub, you have to pay for it. What you will be served, is 'Mineral Water'. So, you will have 'a water', in the same way as you would have 'a beer'. On the other hand, if you asked for 'some water', the barman / person, might ask you if you want 'a glass of water', or a mineral water. Quite possibly, he/she will just pour you an expensive mineral water out of a bottle. "the barman / person" I think that "bar maid" is Politically Incorrect, perhaps someone would like to comment.
<No. "a water" is commonly said. I personally would probably say "some water", though. >
And what if the café had both bottled and tap water?
"And what if the café had both bottled and tap water?"
I would say "a bottle of water" and "a glass of water", respectively.
<"And what if the café had both bottled and tap water?"
I would say "a bottle of water" and "a glass of water", respectively. > The article "a" would be enough for the waitress to understand that it was bottled water, and not tapwater, that you wanted. Efficiency is the key. Context, inference and familiarity supply the rest.
I'm sorry, but I disagree. Most resturants don't even serve bottled water, anway. LOL
<I'm sorry, but I disagree. Most resturants don't even serve bottled water, anway. LOL >
Who mentioned restaurants? Cafés was mentioned and most of the cafés I know serve bottled water.
Tell me, Guest, what you would understand by this restaurant-based comment?
"Number four wants a thirty two!"
<<Anything wrong with B's answer, IYO?>>
IMO, B's answer is acceptable. It sounds normal to ask for "a water" (ie, a bottle of water) in the same way that one would ask for "an iced tea" or "a Coke".
<IMO, B's answer is acceptable. It sounds normal to ask for "a water" (ie, a bottle of water) in the same way that one would ask for "an iced tea" or "a Coke". >
Quite normal indeed.
>> The reason is: if you as for 'water' in a Pub, you have to pay for it. What you will be served, is 'Mineral Water'. <<
yes, very true. Also correct if they are selling bottled water-- a bottle of water would be "a water". >> "the barman / person" I think that "bar maid" is Politically Incorrect, perhaps someone would like to comment. << "Bar maid" is fine. Don't worry about being "politically correct" -- the whole idea is an evil invention of the liberals.
<"Bar maid" is fine. Don't worry about being "politically correct" -- the whole idea is an evil invention of the liberals. >
You unjust self-esteem reducer, you!* ;-) *critic |