Article for completion

Question

Hi,Sentence #1 is from a native speaker. I don’t understand why she has not used ‘the’ before ‘completion’. #2 is mine. Does #2 sound different to a native ear?1. The reason for this was strictly strategic repositioning following completion of the merger with Chrysler. 2. The reason for this was strictly strategic repositioning following the completion of the merger with Chrysler.Thanks,MG.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

MusicgoldDoes #2 sound different to a native ear?

Only very slightly. It's more careful writing, I suppose. The first one sounds more like the style of business journalism -- clean and efficient.

CJ

Musicgold · Answer

Thanks CJ.

CalifJimThe first one sounds more like the style of business journalism -- clean and efficient.CJ

I thought one of the common mistakes among non-native speakers is the use of articles.

Now here, how do native speakers decide which articles to omit for the sake of efficiency?

CalifJim · Answer

Musicgoldhow do native speakers decide which articles to omit for the sake of efficiency?

Oof! I don't have a really good answer for this one.

It seems to me that the more abstract the noun, the more likely it can go without an article. On the other hand, there may be other elements involved subconsciously in the decision, especially a desire to imitate other writers that have this sort of style. I imagine that if you read a lot of texts in this style, you pick up these stylistic habits somewhat intuitively. And then again, journalistic styles change over the years. What is trendy this year won't necessarily be trendy two or three years from now. That's why it's so hard to give a list of useful guidelines.

CJ

Musicgold · Answer

No problem. Thanks CJ.

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