Does adding an indefinite article in this sentence hurt the flow, or does it improve clarity?
To me, it sounds fine to say "She wore a black shirt and red skirt", without the indefinite article before "red skirt".
However, in "She wore a black shirt and red skirt revealing slim legs", I worry that the lack of an indefinite article makes it sound as though both the shirt and the skirt are revealing slim legs, rather than just the skirt. On the other hand, adding the indefinite article makes it sound a bit cumbersome.
Should I include an indefinite article?
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1 answer
In the second case, yes add it. It would make it more clear. In general, if you detect ambiguity, eliminate it, clarity trumps all else.
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