Subj : "a" or "the"
To   : Anton Shepelev
From : alexander koryagin
Date : Fri Jun 08 2018 21:25:25

Hi, Anton Shepelev!
I read your message from  07.06.2018 22:42
about "a" or "the".

-----Beginning of the citation-----
      You are allowed to use this system if you are a citizen
   of the Russian Federation and the holder of an e-passport.
----- The end of the citation -----

IMHO "a citizen" is because we have many citizens in Russia.

But, BTW, "an e-passport" is another name for a biometric passport:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biometric_passport
And, therefore, an e-passport has only one holder (or the holder).

 AS> I then realised I cannot rationalise my choice of articles:  why "a
 AS> citizen" but "the holder"?  Perhaps  because  a  country  has  many
 AS> citizens but a passport always a single holder?

 AS> But then, a note in the British passport says:

-----Beginning of the citation-----
   This passport remains the property of Her Majesty's
   Government in the United Kingdom.
----- The end of the citation -----

 AS> Why "the property"?  I am sure a passport does not  constitute  the
 AS> property of the Government.

I think such a document is not a personal property. A state issues it to its 
people. Then who is it belongs to? Naturally to the state, or, Her Majesty's 
Government, in your sentence.

Bye, Anton!
Alexander Koryagin
ENGLISH_TUTOR 2018

--- Paul's Win98SE VirtualBox
 * Origin: Quinn's Post - Maryborough, Queensland, OZ (3:640/384)

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