The use of "a"
I came across two sentences in different writings:
1. Influential as both a singer and composer, he is commonly known as king of soul
2. Peter is both a recognized academic and a veteran institutional investor.
3. She is both a musician and business woman.
Could you please advise me if we should use "a" or "an" before every noun?
Much appreciated!!!
Top answer
Usage varies greatly. A good rule of thumb is that it is never ungrammatical to use an article before both nouns. However, as we can see in your examples, only one article is often used.
- Usage varies greatly.
- A good rule of thumb is that it is never ungrammatical to use an article before both nouns.
- However, as we can see in your examples, only one article is often used.
- The latter article is omitted especially if the two capacities are thought of as a single unity.
- Very often the omission is due to plain linguistic laziness, though.
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Usage varies greatly. A good rule of thumb is that it is never ungrammatical to use an article before both nouns. However, as we can see in your examples, only one article is often used. The latter article is omitted especially if the two capacities are thought of as a single unity. Very often the omission is due to plain linguistic laziness, though.
CB
EDIT: to added
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