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Yiduo Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

A or the

Hello,
On April 12,1961,____27-year-old Yuri Gagarin became the first human to go into space.About the following two expressions,which one should we use?
A 27-year-old Yuri Gagarin
The 27-year-old Yuri Gagarin
Could you please tell me the different feelings when you hear the two different expressions?
Thank you.
  

Top answer

Either article is possible and with no change of meaning. 'A' suggests that this is the first sentence of the text.

— Mister Micawber

  • Either article is possible and with no change of meaning.
  • 'A' suggests that this is the first sentence of the text.
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13 Answers
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Either article is possible and with no change of meaning. 'A' suggests that this is the first sentence of the text.
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I'm afraid you misunderstand me.I actually mean these two sentences:
On April 12,1961, a 27-year-old Yuri Gagarin became the first human to go into space.
On April 12,1961, the 27-year-old Yuri Gagarin became the first human to go into space.
Thank you.
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I did not misunderstand you: my comment refers to those two sentences. What part of it do you not understand?
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Oh, I see what you mean. Here, as Yuri Gagarin is known to all of us, I think the expression"On April 12,1961, a 27-year-old Yuri Gagarin became the first human to go into space." is not so suitable. Maybe it could be from an article which intend to introduce us something about "the journey of space".Is that right ?
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Thank you very much.
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yiduoA 27-year-old Yuri Gagarin
The 27-year-old Yuri Gagarin
Could you please tell me the different feelings when you hear the two different expressions?
Feelings may differ from person to person in these matters.

1. ( a ) - Yuri Gagarin who was, amazingly, only 27 years old at that time, which now seems so long ago.
2. ( the ) - Yuri Ga
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Yes,I do have interest in that. It is helpful.Thank you.

YD
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yiduoOn April 12,1961,____27-year-old Yuri Gagarin became the first human to go into space.
No one has mentioned this, but it is also possible to use the sentence with no article in the blank. That seems the most straightforward way to me.
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khoffNo one has mentioned this, but it is also possible to use the sentence with no article in the blank. That seems the most straightforward way to me.
OK. If you want to open that can of worms too, then how do you feel about all three forms?

What "feeling difference" do you detect between all three below (as used in the OP's sentence)?

a 2
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