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Lucy
She wasn't cold because she was in a hat and scarf.
She wasn't cold because she was in a hat and a scarf.
Could you tell me which sentence is correct, and why?
Feb 7, 2024 6:36 AM
Answers · 6
2
Both are correct. The first one sounds natural. The second sounds a little bit overprecise, formal, or "stilted."
One reason why the first one is appropriate relates to meaning, not grammar. We know from our general knowledge that "hat and scarf" go together, because they would be a common combination in cold weather. So it is natural to think of it as "a hat-and-scarf." Similarly, we might say "a cup and saucer," or "a bow and arrow," or "a pencil and paper."
If they were not a natural combination, it would be more likely that we would repeat the article. "She was carrying a handbag and an umbrella;" "I'll have a hamburger and a coke;" "the house had a red roof and a long driveway."
February 7, 2024
1
You can skip the second ‘a’ because the words are so close to each other and often said together. But it’s not wrong to include it.
February 7, 2024
1
Both these sentences are correct.
February 7, 2024
You don’t need the “a” before scarf.
I wouldn’t use “in”. More natural to say wearing.
February 7, 2024
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Lucy
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English, French
Learning Language
English
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