definite article after "and"

Question

The sentence about general facts:

Molecules are neutral particles made of two or more atoms bonded together. The proton and the electron are parts of an atom.

Can we remove article before electron?

Molecules are neutral particles made of two or more atoms bonded together. The proton and electron are parts of an atom.

(Should decide which style is better for academic writing).

Does this answer your question? usage of "both" and the indefinite article a/an It doesn't matter that much whether it is the definite or indefinite article. — ColleenV, Commented Sep 24, 2021 at 12:34
If you want to write it that way, you could say: "The proton and electron are parts of an atom." Note how 'part' is now plural. — MikeB, Commented Sep 27, 2021 at 9:42

Peter · Accepted Answer · 2021-09-27 13:29:28Z

1

I would keep both the's for more parallel construction especially given academic writing:

The proton and the electron are parts of an atom.

Protons and electrons are parts of an atom.
Protons and electrons are parts of atoms.

answered Sep 27, 2021 at 13:29

Peter

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