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Newguest Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

First/the first

Hi

Dial the number again without the first digit zero.

--- Should there be "the" before "first" or not? When is it possible to omit the article "the" before "second/third etc"?

Thanks
  

Top answer

Yes, 'the'... and a comma after digit. You cannot omit 'the' when 'first' is serving as an adjective for a countable noun or is a pronoun acting in lieu thereof.

— Mister Micawber

  • Yes, 'the'...
  • and a comma after digit.
  • You cannot omit 'the' when 'first' is serving as an adjective for a countable noun or is a pronoun acting in lieu thereof.
  • You need no article when it is an adverb.
  • I suppose there might be other cases.
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4 Answers
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Yes, 'the'... and a comma after digit. You cannot omit 'the' when 'first' is serving as an adjective for a countable noun or is a pronoun acting in lieu thereof. You need no article when it is an adverb. I suppose there might be other cases.
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Hi,

Dial the number again without the first digit zero.

--- Should there be "the" before "first" or not? Yes. It's a specific reference to one of several zeros.



When is it possible to omit the article "the" before "second/third etc"?

I drank a second cup of coffee. non-specific reference.

Second place is
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Clive I drank a second cup of coffee. non-specific reference.





Clive



Hi

I know you either put "the" or nothing, but I think I've never heard about putting "a" before second, third etc.

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Hi,

It's similar to saying 'a big cup of coffee'.

Clive
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