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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Usage of the/an

Please check the usage of the highlighted articles. Please let me know which one is correct:

You can enter the expiration date and start date only for an open ATM / debit card.



Or



You can enter an expiration date and the start date only for an open ATM / debit card
  

Top answer

Hi, You can enter the expiration date and start date only for an open ATM / debit card. OK Or You can enter an expiration date and the start date only for an open ATM / debit card No, don't mix the articles. Say You can enter an expiration date and a start date only for an open ATM / debit card You can also omit the second article, ie You can enter an expiration date and start date only for an open ATM / debit card You can enter the expiration date and start date only for an open ATM / debit card Clive

— Clive

  • Hi, You can enter the expiration date and start date only for an open ATM / debit card.
  • OK Or You can enter an expiration date and the start date only for an open ATM / debit card No, don't mix the articles.
  • Say You can enter an expiration date and a start date only for an open ATM / debit card You can also omit the second article, ie You can enter an expiration date and start date only for an open ATM / debit card You can enter the expiration date and start date only for an open ATM / debit card Clive
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6 Answers
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Hi,

You can enter the expiration date and start date only for an open ATM / debit card. OK

Or

You can enter an expiration date and the start date only for an open ATM / debit card No, don't mix the articles. Say

You can enter an expiration date and a start date only for an open ATM / debit card



You can also omit the second article, ie
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Hi Clive

I would only say

the expiration date and (the) start date

The meaning of 'an expiration date ...' escapes me.

Could you please clarify?
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Hi,



It depends on how you are thinking about it.



If you say 'the expiration date', it suggests you are thinking that one card has a specific expiration date, which of course is true.



If you say 'an expiration date / a start date / a . . card', it suggests you are thinking that there are many dates, many cards, which is also true.

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Thanks Clive

I guess I viewed his sentence in light of online shopping transactions which often require you to enter the expiration/start date of your credit card.
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Hi,

The sentence speaks of an ATM / debit card.

You can't shop online with these, can you?

Clive
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CliveHi,

The sentence speaks of an ATM / debit card.

You can't shop online with these, can you?

Clive


I have a MasterCard which I use to shop online. As far as I know, every MasterCard, and every other credit card for that matter, is also an ATM card. At least it's how it works here in Europe. I do most of my online shop
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