eslHQ Home
User Name Password
Lost Password? | Join eslHQ.com, it's FREE!
View today's posts
Search Extras Help   

Reply
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1 (permalink)  
Unread Jul 6th, 2012, 08:17 pm
brentonng
 
Posts: n/a
Default is this acceptable?

HI everyone, I have got a question.

are the following sentences acceptable? I have this doubt because there is an indefinite article before a plural noun.

Quote:
It took her a mere 20 minutes to dispose of her opponent.

We have an additional 21 bombers.
Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Unread Jul 7th, 2012, 05:43 am
Sue
 
Join Date: Oct 8th, 2006
Location: Milan
Posts: 1,406
susan53 is on a distinguished road
Default Re: is this acceptable?

Yes, they're fine. When you have a noun phrase consisting of an adjective + cardinal number + plural noun - as in both your sentences - it's as if the "things" in the noun phrase were seen as one group. You could gloss these sentences as :

a mere period of 20 minutes
an additional force of 21 bombers.
__________________
An ELT Notebook
The DELTA Course
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Unread Jul 8th, 2012, 10:45 pm
brentonng
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: is this acceptable?

thank you very much. I've got a better understanding.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Find the Best TEFL, TESL, TESOL & CELTA Certification Courses - User Submitted Ratings & Reviews for Online, Distance & Abroad TEFL Courses. Over 3,500 reviews of 100+ TEFL schools!

Teach English in Thailand - Onsite and Combined TEFL certification courses in Phuket, Thailand.


Free ESL Flashcards




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:28 pm.

All materials from this website are for classroom-use only. Digital redistribution of materials, in part or in whole, is strictly forbidden!

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2