On Article “A”

English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (GAB)

Three “funny habits” of article A:

1. Article “A” is found missing sometimes in words that appear like singular and should be preceded by A. Example: I’m in haste (not, I’m in a haste).

2. Article “A” is found in words which appear like plural and shouldn’t attract “A”. Example: I’m in a shambles (not, I’m in a shamble or I’m in shambles).

3. Article “A” is found before nouns which ordinarily should be plural because of the preceding word but eventually change to singular because of “A”. Example: Many a man loves his wife.

Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (GAB)
Academic Advisor, Distance Learning Centre, University of Ibadan;
&
Doctoral Student of English, University of Ibadan.