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Indefinite article - repetitionThis is the place for questions about conjugations, verb tenses, adverbs, adjectives, word order, syntax and other grammar questions for English or Spanish. |
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#1
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Indefinite article - repetition
Does the second indefinite article need to be used, or could we omit it?
1. Tengo unos sellos y unos bolis rusos. 2. Tengo unos sellos y unas monedas rusos. 3. Tengo unos sellos y bolis rusos. 4. Tengo unos sellos y monedas rusos. I think we may have to include it in number 4, as ‘moneda’ is a feminine word, but I’m not entirely sure. Many thanks in advance. |
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#2
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There is a potential difference in meaning depending on whether one uses an article with both nouns or uses only one article.
If the speaker/writer is talking about 2 distinct groups that do not overlap, typically the speaker/writer will use an article with each group, as in your first 2 sentences. Using only one article could suggest that the two groups overlap and that some "sellos" are also "bolis". This difference in meaning is more pronounced when something could easily be described by both nouns. For example "unos poetas y unos filósofos" suggests little overlap: some are poets, and the rest are philosophers. However, "unos poetas y filósofos" suggests overlap: some or all individuals are both poets and philosophers. |
#3
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Thanks so much.
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