8.162 omitting determiners

When you refer to two people or things using 'and' or 'or', you usually repeat the determiner.

• He was holding a suitcase and a birdcage.

However, if the people or things are closely associated in some way, you do not need to repeat the determiner.

• My mother and father worked hard.
• The jacket and skirt were skilfully designed.
• ...a boy in a jacket and tie.

Sometimes both determiners are omitted.

• Mother and daughter stared at each other.
• All this had of course been discussed between husband and wife.
• The legal position for both worker and employer is now as fair as the law can make it.