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Henryts Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

A/the new ambassador

Hi all,
Can someone please explain the use of the indefinite article in the following sentence (from a history book):

That evening the president and Mrs. Johnson attended a dinner party celebrating the appointment of a new American ambassador to Spain.

Why "a new American ambassador" and not "the new"? There was just one new American ambassador to Spain at that time, so shouldn't it be "the"?

Thank you for your help.

HT
  

Top answer

henryts Why "a new American ambassador" and not "the new"? Because every few years there's a new one. This adds a slight emphasis to the succession of ambassadors.

— Mister Micawber

  • henryts Why "a new American ambassador" and not "the new"?
  • Because every few years there's a new one.
  • This adds a slight emphasis to the succession of ambassadors.
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3 Answers
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henrytsWhy "a new American ambassador" and not "the new"?
Because every few years there's a new one. This adds a slight emphasis to the succession of ambassadors.
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Mister Micawber henrytsWhy "a new American ambassador" and not "the new"?Because every few years there's a new one. This adds a slight emphasis to the succession of ambassadors.
Thank you.
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You're welcome, henryts—and welcome to English Forums. Thank you for registering as a member.
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