'a' and 'some'

Question

Hi,I have two questions about the following extract from a Web site.'... . Passengers travelling with Lufthansa are allowed to take one piece of hand baggage onboard. Its weight must not exceed 8 kg and its dimensions must be smaller than 55×40×23 cm. You can also carry some additional items, such as handbag, laptop bag or shoulder bag which has to be smaller than 30×40×10 cm.'1# Should there be 'a' after 'such as' or not?2#Does the sentence in bold mean that the passenger could take all the items if one wanted to?Thanks.

Cool Breeze · Accepted Answer

1. Yes.
2. No, he can take a handbag and a laptop bag or a shoulder bag. In other words, no more than two bags.

CB

CalifJim · Answer

nsfs21# Should there be 'a' after 'such as' or not?

I would say so. Yes.

nsfs22#Does the sentence in bold mean that the passenger could take all the items if one wanted to?

That's doubtful. The verb is singular. It (the one thing) has to be smaller than ....

This contradicts "additional items", of course, and that's not the only odd ambiguity about the sentence, so all you can do is call Lufthansa and ask them what they really mean.

CJ

Grammarfreak · Answer

nsfs21# Should there be 'a' after 'such as' or not?

It is not wrong to use an article, but it is not wrong without one either. In fact is flows more sound naturally to my ear. Usually, items listed after "such as " are usually in plural, and I stress "usually". For example: My diet contains a lot of fruits in such as bananas, mangoes, apples and oranges. However in this context the airline did have guidelines on dimensions and weight, and the additional items are understood as "one" each.

nsfs22#Does the sentence in bold mean that the passenger could take all the items if one wanted to?

By interpretation of the sentence and personal experience, a lady passenger can wear a handbag and a shoulder bag containing a laptop inside.

'a' and 'some'

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