They abandoned the project due to lack of mobilisation.
They abandoned the project due to a lack of mobilisation.
Do you need the article here?
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I need it. I'm not sure whether all native English speakers need it, though.– phoogJun 11, 2016 at 6:00
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1Both versions are used. Context sometimes requires the article for a subtle or significant difference in meaning.– KrisJun 11, 2016 at 6:06
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1Of course, not: csueastbay.edu/class/departments/theatre/theatre-archive/files/…– KrisJun 11, 2016 at 6:10
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Walsall Domestic Violence Forum closes due to a lack of funding bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-36213847 ; "The number of deaths due to a lack of coverage averaged three per hour and that the issue plagued every state." Facts on Deaths Due to Lack of Health Insurance in US obamacarefacts.com/…– KrisJun 11, 2016 at 6:11
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2 Answers
I would say, "They abandoned the project, because of a lack of mobilisation," and use "due to" only when "due to whatever" acts as an adjective. Thus, "The number of deaths due to a lack of coverage..." is fine, but "a number of people died, because of a lack of coverage." Once you make this change, it is evident that the article, a, is required. Nowadays this is a matter of style, but if you look up "due to" in Fowler, I think you will find that Fowler considered it a rule.
You can just say:
They abandoned the project, as they lacked mobilization.
Otherwise, I don't think you need the "a" in your sentence.
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