Indefinite article
Hello. I'd like to know which is more proper and natural English.
1. Use a bag or backpack.
A ball and pen are inside.
2. Use a bag or a backpack.
A ball and a pen are inside.
I didn't learn #1. in English grammar lessons at school. There is no page explaing about this in my grammar books. But I sometimes see this #1 when reading books. Is it more common to use just one article with the first noun, and withourt the rest?
Someone, please explain this to me.
Top answer
Hi, mimon. Welcome to EF. There isn't a simple answer to this, but in general if you have two items that form a pair, or often go together, or are very similar items, it may be acceptable, or even usual, to omit the second article: A husband and wife were arguing about whose turn it was to wash the dishes.
- Hi, mimon.
- Welcome to EF.
- There isn't a simple answer to this, but in general if you have two items that form a pair, or often go together, or are very similar items, it may be acceptable, or even usual, to omit the second article: A husband and wife were arguing about whose turn it was to wash the dishes.
- She wore a businesslike skirt and blouse to the job interview.
- You'll need a truck or van to carry everything.
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Hi, mimon. Welcome to EF.
There isn't a simple answer to this, but in general if you have two items that form a pair, or often go together, or are very similar items, it may be acceptable, or even usual, to omit the second article:
A husband and wife were arguing about whose turn it was to wash the dishes.
She wore a businesslike skirt and blouse to the job interview
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