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SheltieBites Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Commissioned Captain

Let's say the military is being discussed:
----------
Scenario 1: There is only ONE captain:
"He has been commissioned captain."
"He has been commissioned a captain."

Scenario 2: There are many captains:
"He has been commissioned captain."
"He has been commissioned a captain."
--------------------------

How necessary/optional is "a" in each scenario?
  

Top answer

" -------------------------- How necessary/optional is "a" in each scenario? Whether there are many captains or not makes no real difference, except that if the is only one than you could also consider 'the captain'. I f you say 'captain' with no article, it sounds like you are referring to a job title.

— Clive

  • " -------------------------- How necessary/optional is "a" in each scenario?
  • Whether there are many captains or not makes no real difference, except that if the is only one than you could also consider 'the captain'.
  • I f you say 'captain' with no article, it sounds like you are referring to a job title.
  • I'd even consider using a capital, ( C aptain).
  • If you use an indefinite article, it sounds like you are thinking of him more as a person.
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1 Answers
0
Hi,
Let's say the military is being discussed:
----------
Scenario 1: There is only ONE captain:
"He has been commissioned captain."
"He has been commissioned a captain."

Scenario 2: There are many captains:
"He has been commissioned captain."
"He has been commissioned a captain."
--------------------------

How necessary/optional is "a" in each
0

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