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Jigneshbharati Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

A threat

The book was halted in South Africa by a threat of legal action.

I saw the above example sentence in Cambridge online dictionary.

please explain to me the use of indefinite article "a" before the phrase "of legal action"?

I thought we should use "the" when it is followed by "of phrase" which makes the reference specific?

Thanks

  

Top answer

The particular legal action was not specific. The threat was vague.

— AlpheccaStars

  • The particular legal action was not specific.
  • The threat was vague.
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2 Answers
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The particular legal action was not specific. The threat was vague.

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JigneshbharatiI thought we should use "the" when it is followed by "of phrase"

Your understanding is misguided.

Put a vase of flowers on each table.
Offer the guests a cup of tea.
He  dreamed that he was an ancient king of England.
There is a herd of antelope in the distance.
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