a great or just great

Question

Hi,Why is it correct (if it is correct) to use the phrase "a great" rather than "great"?..., but a great many students seem to think it's good to ...

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,
Why is it correct (if it is correct) to use the phrase "a great" rather than "great"?

..., but a great many students seem to think it's good to ...

There are two ways to think about this.
1. 'A great many' is just a standard phrase, meaning 'a lot of'.
eg There were a great many students in the classroom.

2. 'Many' can function as a noun.
eg Many say that China will put a man on the moon.
eg Some students were in the classrroom. I saw a great many.
So, you could argue that when you say 'I saw a great many students', what you are really saying is, in effect, 'I saw a great many (of) students'.
If you view 'many' as a noun in this way, that's why you need an article.

Best wishes, Clive

Avangi · Answer

I think in your example "a great" is adverbial. That is, it modifies the adjective "many." This is a great sandwich. These are great sandwiches. You made too many sandwiches. There are a great many sandwiches still left over.

-A.

Edit. Clive's noun approach is the correct one. Mine is simplistic. - - - a great number of sandwiches - - - great numbers of sandwiches - - - "great" is still an adjective. (Number(s) is a noun.)

a great or just great

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