a/the decrease

VicNicSor

VicNicSor

Banned
Russia
Russian
The following two years brought about a decrease to about $50 billion, followed by an increase in 1987 and a renewed decrease to about $50 billion in 1988.
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Revenue increased from $93 billion to $120 billion, reflecting the significant impact of acquisitions made by a number of companies during the year, particularly the large integrated steel companies. However the increase in revenues of 29% was more than offset by an increase in operating costs of 45%.
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In the course of the started topic, I would ask why in the first quote the indefinite article is used when it talks about particular figures and how the first "increase" differs from the other in the second quote, that is, why the first one takes "the" and the second takes "a".

Thank you.
 
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    • I don't think I can give you a complete rationale, but "the increase" is permitted in the second sentence because the increase in revenues is being contrasted with the greater increase in expenses. Saying "...the increase..." (when not referring to an increase that has previously been discussed) establishes a point of reference upon which another figure will be cited.
     
    In the first sentence, there are two decreases. Neither have been mentioned before so they are both "a decrease."
    In the second sentence, "the increase in revenues of 29%" is the same increase as "Revenue increased from $93 billion to $120 billion" that has already been mentioned so it is "the increase."
     
    Thank you.
    So, any increase (regardless of any figures it shows) will take the indefinite article if it is mentioned for the first time, right?
     
    The use of the indefinite article when referring to something for the first time is a general rule that applies when talking about anything - there is nothing particularly special about its use when talking about "increases" or "decreases".

    I bought a new car last week. The car is red and has 4 doors.

    XYZ Car Company reported an increase in sales of 20% last week. The increase was attributed to the release of a new line of vehicles. The new vehicles are designed to be more fuel efficient.

    etc.
     
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