the clients/ clients [I would really appreciate comments from the moderators.]

[Mister Nutty]

Hello. How are y'll?

Do I need "the" in front of "clients" in this sentence?

I worked very hard for clients.

Isn't it obvious without "the" that I am referring to past clients. I know it's technically called for, but don't many native speakers drop it?

I personally think "the" would make it sound like there were different kinds of clients and I am referring to a specific kind.

Please let me know what you think. I am really confused. Any comments are greatly appreicated.

Kind regards, Mr. N

 

[Mister Nutty]

I would opt for "my clients."

Thanks for your response, Gillnetter, but the question here is whether or not "the" is needed.

 

[Tdol]

It's not wrong without it, but it could imply some clients (not all), so it's better with the or our/my, etc. Of the three, I would use a personal adjective there and think it weakest with nothing.

 

[Barb_D]

I'd like to point out a possible ambiguity in the sentence.

I work hard for X.

That could mean I had to work hard to obtain X.
I worked hard for my A in math.
I had to spend a lot of time with leads and prospects and selling myself before they signed on to be my clients. I worked hard for my clients.


That could also mean that on their behalf, I work very hard.
When I was on the job, be assured that I worked very hard on behalf of my clients. I worked hard for my clients.