[Grammar] gerund+of form.

[Snappy]

I remember that the definite article is required before the gerund+of form.

Example: This is a major factor contributing to the successful running of companies.

Is it possible (or more common) to leave out the definite article in the above case?

[2006]

Originally Posted by Snappy

I remember that the definite article is required before the gerund+of form.

Example: This is a major factor contributing to the successful running of companies.

Is it possible (or more common) to leave out the definite article in the above case?

"the" can be left out in your example, but I would guess that most people in North America would keep "the".