Adding articles (a, an, and the) for clarity

Articles are sometimes omitted in recipes and other instructions that are meant to be followed while they are being read. Such omissions are inappropriate, however, in nearly all other forms of writing, whether formal or informal.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Blood can be drawn only by doctor or by authorized person who has been trained in procedure. Revised sentence: Blood can be drawn only by a doctor or by an authorized person who has been trained in the procedure. Explanation: Articles have been inserted.

It is not always necessary to repeat articles with paired items.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: We bought a computer and printer.

However, if one of the items requires a and the other requires an, both articles must be included.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: We bought a computer and antivirus program at a discount. Revised sentence: We bought a computer and an antivirus program at a discount. Explanation: The word

Exercises:

Needed words 1

Needed words 2

Needed words 3

Needed words 4