Frank van Thienen (X) Mar 12, 2011:

a few are just a few "a few" seems to indicate a small number, which the source text doesn't specify. What about "A number of Dutch DJs are coming up strong . . ."</br>

The plural "are" also points to each individual DJ, as the nature of this job is very much an individual effort by each of them, rather than the group.

Barend van Zadelhoff Mar 12, 2011:

you could put it that way, yes :-)

burak sengir (asker) Mar 12, 2011:

A few Dj's ... then :)

Barend van Zadelhoff Mar 12, 2011:

Burak, to be honest with you, on further consideration 'HET aantal ... is sterk in opkomst' is a bit peculiar Dutch and 'EEN' would be more likely in this sentence

you would rather say 'HET aantal .. is sterk toegenomen'


In my opinion you can't omit 'EEN' here'

'een aantal' indicates that it concerns a relatively small group of Dutch DJs that 'sterk in opkomst is'

burak sengir (asker) Mar 12, 2011:

you are absolutely right Barend, there's a huge difference in between the two:
EEN aantal Nederlandse dj's... I can't just omit EEN, now can I ?

Barend van Zadelhoff Mar 12, 2011:

Burak is it

EEN aantal Nederlandse dj's is sterk in opkomst (1)

of

HET aantal Nederlandse dj's is sterk in opkomst (2)

There is a large difference in meaning between (1) and (2)