article before expansion

[Musicgold]

Hi,

I read the following sentence in a publication. I feel that the use of 'expansion' is not correct without any article. I feel it should be replaced with either 'an expansion' or 'expansions'.

Please comment.

The vacancy rate of the town was 4.9%, down from 5.2% with much of the reduction coming from expansion of three major engineering firms.

Thanks,

MG.

[Alan]

Hi,

I agree that the definite article would be better here as it refers to the particular expansion 'of three major engineering firms.'

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Musicgold]

thanks.