Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[kerstin]

Does it sound right to say "I am familar with swimming storkes, such as breaststroke and front crawl."

Thanks

[bud]

I'd add "the" before "breaststroke" and "front crawl." Then it sounds right.

[kerstin]

I am familar with swimming storkes, such as the breaststroke and the front crawl

or

I am familar with swimming storkes, such as the breaststroke and front crawl.

Can the second "the" be omitted?


Thanks

[bud]

Yes, and it's just as natural! Good job!

[missdaredevil]

The second one sounds better?


Thanks

[bud]

They both sound natural to me. I can't decide which way I'd be more likely phrase it.

[2006]

I would keep both "the"s, as that sounds much better to me. Also, if you omit the second "the", two things can be misinterpreted as being only one thing.

This exercise is not suitable for some people, such as the aged and the infirm. (two groups of people)
If you leave out the second "the", there is only one group of people but those people are aged and infirm.

[bud]

Good point!