When using the expressions “take a shower” (American English) or “have a shower” (British English), we always include the article “a”. It is not possible to omit it or use the article “the” instead.
When using the expressions “take a shower” (American English) or “have a shower” (British English), we always include the article “a”. It is not possible to omit it or use the article “the” instead.
You should take a shower, Peter.
I had a cold shower to wake myself up.
Leave out the article, however, when using the plural form (showers) in a general sense.
Do you prefer to take showers or baths?
1. ‘Take a Shower’ and ‘Have a Shower’
In American English, we commonly use the expression “take a shower” to refer to the act of washing our body while standing under the shower.
Did you take a shower this morning?
British English speakers typically use the expression “have a shower”.
Jennifer loves having a cold shower after working out.
Note that we always use the indefinite article “a” in both cases. It cannot be omitted or replaced by the article “the” in this context.
Are you going to take a shower before lunch?
Are you going to take shower before lunch?
Follow the same practice with other related expressions and phrases, such as “need a shower” or “prefer a shower”.
He really needs a shower.
I prefer a shower to a bath.
Be aware, however, that “shower” is a countable noun, and we should drop the article when using the plural form (showers) in a general sense.
While my wife loves taking a relaxing bath, I usually prefer to take showers.
“Shower” can also be a verb, so we can say:
I have to shower before going to work.
Robert shaved and showered.
She has no time to shower.
2. Other Meanings of ‘Shower’
A shower can be a piece of equipment that you stand under to shower.
If the shower isn’t working, you may have a plumbing problem.
Or a small room or area with a shower:
Is Olivia still in the shower?
It can also refer to a short period of rain or snow.
More heavy showers are forecast for next week.
In these situations, you can use the article a/the or another determiner (this, that, most, all, etc.) according to the usual rules.
