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Thread: Indefinite article

  1. #1
    Allen165 is offline Key Member
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    Default Indefinite article

    I'm not sure if there should be an "a" in the sentence below.

    "In the event of a contract termination according to Article 3, there shall be no right to compensation."

    It doesn't sound right to me, but in the construction "in the event of such a termination" the "a" is necessary, I think.

    What do you think?

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Abstract Idea is offline Key Member
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    Default Re: Indefinite article

    ----- Not an English teacher -----

    Quote Originally Posted by Jasmin165 View Post
    I'm not sure if there should be an "a" in the sentence below.

    "In the event of a contract termination according to Article 3, there shall be no right to compensation."

    It doesn't sound right to me, but in the construction "in the event of such a termination" the "a" is necessary, I think.
    I partially agree with you. The first sentence reads much better without the indefinite article. You have already used the definite the.
    You may also say:
    "In a/the contract termination event ... "
    or
    "In case of a/the contract termination ... "
    or
    "In case of contract termination ... "

    But, as I said, I agree with you only partially - the original sentence, although a little awkward, seems to be correct.
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    billmcd is offline Key Member
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    Default Re: Indefinite article

    Quote Originally Posted by Jasmin165 View Post
    I'm not sure if there should be an "a" in the sentence below.

    "In the event of a contract termination according to Article 3, there shall be no right to compensation."

    It doesn't sound right to me, but in the construction "in the event of such a termination" the "a" is necessary, I think.

    What do you think?

    Thanks!
    I don't think either "a" is necessary in your examples.
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    apex2000 is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Indefinite article

    Your quote comes from an official document; that will almost inevitably include legalese. So it does not sound right but it is right in that circumstance and even in everyday speech it is used.
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    vgv8 is offline Banned
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    Default Re: Indefinite article

    Quote Originally Posted by Jasmin165 View Post
    "In the event of a contract termination according to Article 3, there shall be no right to compensation."

    It doesn't sound right to me, but in the construction "in the event of such a termination" the "a" is necessary, I think.

    What do you think?

    Thanks!
    Contexts of terminations can be various, but cocrete termination can be only one from many possible - hence "a".
    "THE" before "event" is used because it is further specified by the phrase following "of".

    What's the problem? All according rules of English
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  6. #6
    Tdol is offline Editor, UsingEnglish.com
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    Default Re: Indefinite article

    If these are standard terms it makes sense IMO- many contracts and one (non-specific) termination.
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  7. #7
    albertino is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Indefinite article

    Quote Originally Posted by Jasmin165 View Post
    I'm not sure if there should be an "a" in the sentence below.

    "In the event of a contract termination according to Article 3, there shall be no right to compensation."

    It doesn't sound right to me, but in the construction "in the event of such a termination" the "a" is necessary, I think.

    What do you think?

    Thanks!
    (Not a teacher)
    "Contract termination" is in its general abstract sense, so no article is needed.

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