Subj : A rule needed :)
To   : Alexander Koryagin
From : Anton Shepelev
Date : Tue Oct 29 2019 16:10:36

Alexander Koryagin:

AK> Reading a novel "The standard of living", by Dorothy
AK> Parker,

*the* novel.

AK> I read this:
AK>
AK>    Annabel and Midge had been best friends almost from
AK>    the day that Midge had found a job as stenographer
AK>    with the firm that employed Annabel.
AK>
AK> How can I explain to my conscience the absence of "a"
AK> before "stenographer"? ;)

On my way to work I have encountered a difficult case in
Oscar Wilde's play "An Ideal Husband":

Mabel Chiltern:  But it is for an excellent charity: in aid
   of the Undeserving, the only people I am really
   interested in.  I am the secretary, and Tommy Trafford is
   treasurer.

Mrs. Cheveley:  And what is Lord Goring?

Mabel Chiltern:  Oh! Lord Goring is president.

How can you explain "the secretary", "treasurer", and "president"?

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 * Origin: nntps://fidonews.mine.nu - Lake Ylo - Finland (2:221/360.0)

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