Re: Adopt a law or the law?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Elator
Hello everyone!
I've recently gotten into an argument at a translator's forum. There was a sentence:
The Parliament adopted the Law "On Social Protection" which was later approved by the President -
I said that it would be more preferabale to use - adopt a law - thus using the indefinitie article, although the spesific law is meant here. My argument was that - adopt a law - was sort of a collocation and for this reason, adopt a law - should be used.
We're still arguing. Google gives both versions. Is there a native speaker around here who could resolve the issue? I would be really happy if someone could give me more insight into this.
The question is: Which is more preferable to use in the sentence I quoted above? Adopted the or adopted a law?
Thank you in advance.
(Not a teacher)
The law is preferable.
The law is an appositive of "On Social Protection" that follows.
To paraphrase, the expression can be written as " The law which is on Social Protection" and the "which clause" makes the preceding noun specific.