In Articles^x, Singular nouns^x

English_Learner wrote: Philip wrote: ...but I'll give a few example s . Philip, may I ask you a qeustion? I know the article ' a ' is used with a singular noun but I've heard (and used) many time the expression 'to give a few example s '. The noun 'exsample s ' is plural, so my question is:...

Philip wrote: ...but I'll give a few example s . Philip, may I ask you a qeustion? I know the article ' a ' is used with a singular noun but I've heard (and used) many time the expression 'to give a few example s '. The noun 'exsample s ' is plural, so my question is: why the article ' a ' is...

New2grammar wrote: Thanks Philip for your reply.But I have a follow-up question. I wouldn't be asking this question if you said it was optional.John called them Let me illustrate with the following sentences: A(article) tiger is a fierce animal. Tigers(no article required) are fierce...

New2grammar wrote: Thanks Philip for your reply.But I have a follow-up question. I wouldn't be asking this question if you said it was optional. John called them Let me explain with the following sentences. A(article) tiger is fierce. Tigers(no articles needed) are fierce. ...

Ant_222 wrote: To me, in all these examples singular nouns denote a substance rather than a thing. That's why indefinite articles are omitted. P.S.: Anyway, I'd use "an old dog" for #1... because... it doesn't make much sense to speak of the substance (matter) of an old dog. I agree.

To me, in all these examples singular nouns denote a substance rather than a thing. That's why indefinite articles are omitted. P.S.: Anyway, I'd use "an old dog" for #1... because... it doesn't make much sense to speak of the substance (matter) of an old dog.

1. In fact he might even have been known as "the elder" in the sense of "the respected old man". 2. In fact he might even have been known as "elder" in the sense of "respected old man" I think the 1st is right. Here "elder" is a singular noun, so you dont use it with out an article "a"/...

Yes, we can. Either 'the' + singular noun or a plural noun without article can represent a class of animals or things.

Anonymous wrote: Please answer the following questions: 1. Why the word 'police' does not have a determiner in front of it when my dictionary noted that it could be a singular noun? ... identified by police and parents as the day-care center owner... 'the' could be used, but is often...

Please answer the following questions: 1. Why the word 'police' does not have a determiner in front of it when my dictionary noted that it could be a singular noun? ... identified by police and parents as the day-care center owner... 2. Is the following adjectival construction...