As part of vs. as a part of

[Nicole]

Hi, what is the difference between

as part of and

as part of?

I understand both constructions exist but when do we have to use which?
Thanks in advance,
Nicole
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[Alan]

Hi Nicole,

I think you mean the difference between part of and a part of?

The only difference really is one of emphasis when you use the article a.

Let me give you an example: They had a firework display on the Thames in London as part of/a part of the New Year celebrations. The inclusion of a suggests it was just one part of the celebrations. If you said as part of the celebrations you mean you would expect fireworks to be included in the celebrations.

Just some thoughts.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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[Holler]

Maybe she's talking about the difference between these?

You will receive the voucher as a part of the package.
You will receive the voucher as part of the package.

[Nessie]

Hi Alan,
I still haven't got the point very well. In your example, do you mean the version without 'a' implies that the firework is just an extra part of the celebration, while the version with 'a' implies that the 'firework' is quite an important/big part of the celebration (indispensable)?

Many thanks,
Nessie.
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[Alan]

Hi Nessie,

'A' used in that expression suggests one'. In general terms you could say: Experiencing loss is part of growing up. In more particular terms you could say: The loss of innocence is a part of growing up. In the first use you are referring to loss in general. In the second one you are referring to one particular loss.

Alan
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