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Snvplayer Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Question on the use of articles.

Shouldn't it be "the" not "an before "early draft.." since the draft is being described and it is specific.

Google blamed financial printing firm RR Donnelley for filing AN early draft of the results, which had been expected after the closing bell.

Thank you.
  

Top answer

It is not specific, since there were no doubt a number of drafts. Or you may view it as one of several copies of that draft. Or you may consider that the draft has not been described until post-modification of the noun.

— Mister Micawber

  • It is not specific, since there were no doubt a number of drafts.
  • Or you may view it as one of several copies of that draft.
  • Or you may consider that the draft has not been described until post-modification of the noun.
  • In any case, the use of 'an' there is common and accepted.
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3 Answers
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It is not specific, since there were no doubt a number of drafts. Or you may view it as one of several copies of that draft. Or you may consider that the draft has not been described until post-modification of the noun. In any case, the use of 'an' there is common and accepted.
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Thank you for your explanation.

So, "the" would not be acceptable in this case at all?
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