0
Norwolf Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

A platform or platform

We say:

Polar bears live mostly on sea ice, which they use as a platform for hunting seals.

To my ear, we also say:

Polar bears live mostly on sea ice, which they use as platform for hunting seals.

Right? Please.

  

Top answer

"a platform" is correct. If in doubt, put the article in there. Remember "a" is a non-specific article (it doesn't matter what kind of platform it is); "the" is a specific article and would refer to a specific platform you've already introduced or are introducing.

  • "a platform" is correct.
  • If in doubt, put the article in there.
  • Remember "a" is a non-specific article (it doesn't matter what kind of platform it is); "the" is a specific article and would refer to a specific platform you've already introduced or are introducing.
  • "
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
"a platform" is correct. If in doubt, put the article in there. Remember "a" is a non-specific article (it doesn't matter what kind of platform it is); "the" is a specific article and would refer to a specific platform you've already introduced or are introducing. "The platform used by the polar bears is the sea ice."
0
Whereas the indefinite article is required in the previous examples, there is

vacillation in the following cases (cf 'unique role', 5.42):

her duties as (a) hostess

my appointment as (a) lecturer

Jung as (a) thinker

A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language

Why does the writer say there is vacillation in the ca
0
The examples you give here are very brief and lack specific context. However, in the context they are given here, they refer to general rather than specific roles. For example, "a hostess" is not giving a generalised role of "hostess", not related to a specific place. With more context it may become "her duties as the hostess in charge of block 'c'..." in which case s

Related Questions