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Victor_amelkin Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

"a lack of manners" – why "a"?

Hello,

Could you please suggest which rule regulates the usage of

the indefinite article in the following sentence:

"Such a way of speaking indicates a lack of manners."

"The" appearently does not fit because none of any particular

manners are implied. But why not to omit an article?

Thanks in advance.

--

Victor
  

Top answer

" Such a way of speaking indicates [an instance of / an occasion of / an example of / a case of] not having good manners. It's just one way among many by which a person can show that he lacks (good) manners. CJ

— CalifJim

  • " Such a way of speaking indicates [an instance of / an occasion of / an example of / a case of] not having good manners.
  • It's just one way among many by which a person can show that he lacks (good) manners.
  • CJ
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4 Answers
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victor_amelkinCould you please suggest which rule regulates the usage of
the indefinite article in the following sentence:
"Such a way of speaking indicates a lack of manners."
Such a way of speaking indicates [an instance of / an occasion of / an example of / a case of] not having good manners. It's just one way among many by which a person can show
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He suffers from a lack of manners...

from a dry skin disease...

from a superiority complex...
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Hello Jim, Philip,

Thanks for your comments.

> He suffers from a lack of manners...

> from a dry skin disease...

> from a superiority complex...


It's just more difficult to instantiate in mind a lack of something than

a disease, a complex, or anything of the material nature. Though,

"an exam
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Hi guys,

I wouldn't say it's wrong to simply omit the article.

ie Such a way of speaking indicates lack of manners."



This makes the statement more general in form, and more emphatic.



Clive
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