"a" sectoral breakdown.

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usefuluser
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"a" sectoral breakdown.

Post by usefuluser »

Dear all,

I was just wondering whether I should use "a" in the following sentences? Without "a", the sentence looks as if it is incomplete. However, with "a" I feel there is something wrong in the structure.

"It consists of detailed single-country studies with "a" sectoral breakdown."

Thank you for sharing your opinion. {-; {-;
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Joe
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Re: "a" sectoral breakdown.

Post by Joe »

The problem arises because you have plural studies and a singular breakdown (for each study) - at least, as I understand it.

In fact, your original solution is not bad:
It consists of detailed single-country studies with sectoral breakdown.

Another solution some people might try would be:
It consists of detailed single-country studies with sectoral breakdowns. :?: ambiguous (how many breakdowns per study? perhaps some studies have none and some have more than one...)

A more precise solution might be:
It consists of detailed single-country studies, EACH with a sectoral breakdown.

So it all depends on EXACTLY what you are trying to describe. :roll:
"We are not wholly bad or good, who live our lives under Milk Wood :-| " β€” Dylan Thomas, Under Milk Wood

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usefuluser
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Re: "a" sectoral breakdown.

Post by usefuluser »

Hi Joe,

Many thanks for your detailed answer. It put things into perspective. I think the best option in my context is the third one.
Thanks again! Cheers
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Joe
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Re: "a" sectoral breakdown.

Post by Joe »

Glad to be of service, Usefuluser :)

From your description, I thought that #3 would probably fit.
"We are not wholly bad or good, who live our lives under Milk Wood :-| " β€” Dylan Thomas, Under Milk Wood

eBooks: English Prepositions List | Essential Business Words | Learn English in Seven
usefuluser
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Joined: Mon Dec 17, 2018 11:42 am
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Re: "a" sectoral breakdown.

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