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2cr3nd4 Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Could article be omitted before a countable noun?

Just saw a news item in the papers as below. As far as i know, patron is a countable noun. but in the phrase "with Niall Quinn as Sunderland patron and Alan Shearer as Newcastle patron", an article is not used. What is the reason for it?

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The idea of me becoming a patron of the Foundation was to unite the three big North East clubs, with Niall Quinn as Sunderland patron and Alan Shearer as Newcastle patron, and all of us treat it as an honour.
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Top answer

This is a case of a noun ( patron ) used to identify a role. The article is not used in this case. The word 'as' is one way to signal a role.

— CalifJim

  • This is a case of a noun ( patron ) used to identify a role.
  • The article is not used in this case.
  • The word 'as' is one way to signal a role.
  • Mr.
  • Dooley acted as head of operations until Ms.
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4 Answers
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This is a case of a noun (patron) used to identify a role. The article is not used in this case. The word 'as' is one way to signal a role.

Mr. Dooley acted as head of operations until Ms. Boonley recovered from her illness.

CJ
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I'd like to add that the omission of the article implies that the role is held by one person only.

As chairman, he was supposed to say something about the matter.
There is only one chairman.

As an MP, he was expected to behave politely.
There are more than 600 MPs in Britain. (a member of parliament)

CB
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Cool BreezeI'd like to add that the omission of the article implies that the role is held by one person only.
Good point.
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Emotion: smileCJ and CB, thanks for your clear explanation
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