Third time's A charm, or Third time's THE charm?

[DingDingDao]

What the title says. I need to settle a debate with my gf.

 

[KingNothing]

the

 

[mpitts]

Originally posted by: KingNothing
the

 

[z0mb13]

A

 

[TheNinja]

Originally posted by: z0mb13
A

 

[Chronoshock]

a, the sounds awkward

 

[brunswickite]

Originally posted by: Staley8

Originally posted by: z0mb13
A

 

[TheNinja]

It is A.

The full sentence would actually be "The Third Time is a charm". It has been shortened to "Third time's a charm". Anybody who says "the" is a complete and total moron and should be attacked by ninjas.

 

[Yo Ma Ma]

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&q=third+time+charm
http://www.google.com/search?q=third%20try%20charm

Third time or third try, either way both seem to favor "the charm," but not by much.

 

[KingNothing]

Originally posted by: Staley8
It is A.

The full sentence would actually be "The Third Time is a charm". It has been shortened to "Third time's a charm". Anybody who says "the" is a complete and total moron and should be attacked by ninjas.

But if you say it's "a" charm you imply other times could be "a" charm too. When you say it's "the" charm you mean that's it, that's the one, no other time will be charmed at all.

 

[Ornery]

"Third time's A charm" makes NO FVCKING SENSE!

• NASA hopes third time's the charm for Mars probe launch
  
  MachineDesign.com: Third time's the charm
  
  Quattrone: Hopes Third Time's The Charm

 

[Chronoshock]

Further google results:
Third time's A charm - 9150:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=%22third+time%27s+a+charm%22&btnG=Google+Search

Third time's THE charm - 8830:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&safe=off&q=%22third+time%27s+the+charm%22&btnG=Search

So it seems like they're tied

 

[YetioDoom]

Originally posted by: KingNothing

Originally posted by: Staley8
It is A.

The full sentence would actually be "The Third Time is a charm". It has been shortened to "Third time's a charm". Anybody who says "the" is a complete and total moron and should be attacked by ninjas.

But if you say it's "a" charm you imply other times could be "a" charm too. When you say it's "the" charm you mean that's it, that's the one, no other time will be charmed at all.

Hmm, I voted for A, but this explanation makes sense. (And since its English, its probably wrong)

 

[brigden]

I have never in my entire life heard the expression, "Third time's THE charm." Always read, or heard the expression used with an "A".

 

[KingNothing]

Originally posted by: YetioDoom

Originally posted by: KingNothing

Originally posted by: Staley8
It is A.

The full sentence would actually be "The Third Time is a charm". It has been shortened to "Third time's a charm". Anybody who says "the" is a complete and total moron and should be attacked by ninjas.

But if you say it's "a" charm you imply other times could be "a" charm too. When you say it's "the" charm you mean that's it, that's the one, no other time will be charmed at all.

Hmm, I voted for A, but this explanation makes sense. (And since its English, its probably wrong)

I can't tell if you're agreeing with me or not. You suck at t3h engrish.

 

[DingDingDao]

Side note: My gf is very impressed with the quick responses from you guys. Thanks all :beer:

 

[KingNothing]

Originally posted by: DingDingDao
Side note: My gf is very impressed with the quick responses from you guys. Thanks all :beer:

Nerds love to argue vehemently over pointless trivialities. Haven't figured that one out yet.

 

[Ornery]

Originally posted by: Chronoshock
Further google results:
Third time's A charm - 9150:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=%22third+time%27s+a+charm%22&btnG=Google+Search

Third time's THE charm - 8830:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&safe=off&q=%22third+time%27s+the+charm%22&btnG=Search

So it seems like they're tied

Quality, NOT quantity! CNN, Machine Design, Forbes...

 

[ArmchairAthlete]

Originally posted by: Chronoshock
a, the sounds awkward

 

[DingDingDao]

Originally posted by: KingNothing

Originally posted by: DingDingDao
Side note: My gf is very impressed with the quick responses from you guys. Thanks all :beer:

Nerds love to argue vehemently over pointless trivialities. Haven't figured that one out yet.

S'ok. I have gotten into plenty of arguments over pointless trivialities--my gf thinks my nerdiness is attractive

 

[lordtyranus]

Do you get some if you win?

 

[geno]

a

 

[DingDingDao]

Originally posted by: lordtyranus
Do you get some if you win?

I get some either way

EDIT: I'm arguing that it's "a," not "the."

 

[Wahsapa]

its the, ask an english teacher.

also like the other guy said, cnn and forbes are NOT going to use the wrong phrase. third times a charm sounds horrible. "and anybody who thinks otherwise is a moron" so the people at cnn and forbes are morons huh?

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Staley8
It is A.

The full sentence would actually be "The Third Time is a charm". It has been shortened to "Third time's a charm". Anybody who says "the" is a complete and total moron and should be attacked by ninjas.

Agreed. Get the hell off the crack if you said "the". And, go back to school. Start in grade 1 and spend all your time reading.

And, I won't go by an American's view of what is good and bad english. In a nation where so many people have bastardized "I couldn't care less" down to "I could care less", not a one of them have a clue!