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.
"a" sectoral breakdown.
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Re: "a" sectoral breakdown.
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.
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.
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Re: "a" sectoral breakdown.
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
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
- Joe
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Re: "a" sectoral breakdown.
Glad to be of service, Usefuluser :)
From your description, I thought that #3 would probably fit.
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
eBooks: English Prepositions List | Essential Business Words | Learn English in Seven
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