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Thread: Using indefinite article with first names

  1. #11
    stuartnz's Avatar
    stuartnz is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Using indefinite article with first names

    Quote Originally Posted by David L. View Post
    With 'the', it becomes as much a statement of fact as
    Treating the sprained ankle with a warm compress.

    To see if I've parsed this properly, an indefinite article suggests a temporary state, while the definite would be emphatic? Thanks for that!
    Neillythere likes this.

  2. #12
    Neillythere is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: Using indefinite article with first names

    Quote Originally Posted by Neillythere View Post
    Hi DavidL:

    How would you similarly characterise the corresponding use of the definite article, as in "Treating the hurt and bewildered Hermione with an icy sneering indifference.", as per stuartnz's comment?
    I do hope that Hermione's "hurt and bewildered" state was temporary rather than a statement of permanent fact?

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