Frits W�thrich wrote: > > So 'a former' and 'the former' have the same meaning in this respect?
Yes. In English, the only difference would be, "the former" could mean there were no others, but allows for more. By saying "the former mayor" you eliminate any other possibilities as to who you mean. It somehow adds a little importance to the position. And to anyone who held that position. Makes him a little bigger, more important. He certainly wasn't the dog-catcher! <g> "A former" give this person no discinction at all. He's just one of many holding office. A "former mayor" might be distinguished for other reasons, so they just mention that that was one of his titles, but admits of no particular importance. keith whaley > On Mon, 2004-01-12 at 19:50, Steve Desjardins wrote: > > Anyone who has held the position is refered to as a former or past > > mayor. For example, Clinton, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush Sr., are all > > referred to former presidents. > > > > > > Steven Desjardins > > Department of Chemistry > > Washington and Lee University > > Lexington, VA 24450 > > (540) 458-8873 > > FAX: (540) 458-8878 > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > -- > Frits W�thrich <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
