Which is correct?

Question

He heard the sound of shoes on (grass / the grass) and thought the neighbor's children were playing on the lawn.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Favorite Answer

both work.  one refers to a generic sound (sound of shoes on grass) and the other to a specific sound (the sound of shoes on THE grass).  Not just any grass, but specific grass, and thus a specific sound having a specific area of origin.  In this example, the generic idea would likely be best.  sound of shoes on grass, sound of shoes on pavement, would be likely indicators of children playing nearby. 

The idea of sound of shoes on THE grass would have me think that someone was approaching the hearer.

Answer 2

The grass. It might be better to say 'running through the grass'.