"a" or "the"

Question

"Known as the Tour Eiffel in French, the tower was designed and built by __ French engineer Gustave Eiffel in 1889."

I think the blank should be filled in with "the" and the answer says so, but my teacher believes that "a" is better. Could anyone please tell me if "a" is available and why? Thanks in advance.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Alison LiuCould anyone please tell me if "a" is available and why?

'A' is possible only if there is a comma after 'engineer' and a comma after 'Gustave Eiffel'. As it stands, 'the' is a much better choice.

(PS: You might like to know that Mr Eiffel also designed the base of the Statue of Liberty in NYC.)

Alison Liu · Answer

That's exactly what I said to my teacher! However, she says that 'a' is still a better choice even without that comma. I just don't know how to argue. Could you please give a specific explanation?

(PS: Thanks for your extra help! Haven't heard of it before. )

Mister Micawber · Answer

Alison Liu Could you please give a specific explanation?

Using the commas makes the phrase within them non-defining (non-restrictive); without the commas, it is a defining apposition requiring the definite article.

Alison Liu · Answer

Just told my teacher what you said this morning and she approved it. Thank you!

Anonymous · Answer

Hi. Please help. Would the original sentence below be correct without any article before what looks to be a title, "French engineer"? Thank you in advance for your help.

Known as the Tour Eiffel in French, the tower was designed and built by __ French engineer Gustave Eiffel in 1889."

Mister Micawber · Answer

AnonymousWould the original sentence below be correct without any article before what looks to be a title, "French engineer"?

Yes.

"a" or "the"

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