"of" or no "of"

Hi there,

Please help to see if following sentences are correct. And why. Thanks.

1) Eighty-three percent respondents indicated that they were likely to return next summer.

2) Eighty-three percent of the respondents indicated that they were likely to return next summer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by yppah

Hi there,

Please help to see if following sentences are correct. And why. Thanks.

1) Eighty-three percent respondents indicated that they were likely to return next summer.

2) Eighty-three percent of the respondents indicated that they were likely to return next summer.

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You need the "of". The "the" after it is optional.

The reason is that a percentage is a part. It must be part of something. That "something" either immediately follows the percentage (as in this case) or it is mentioned before this sentence or later in this sentence.

before: A poll of 1000 people was taken. Eighty-three percent indicated...
after: Eighty-three percent indicated....when current vacationers were asked....

Thanks a lot for the clarification!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by yppah

Thanks a lot for the clarification!

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You're welcome. :-D