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JungKim Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Exlamative "what"
When "what" is used in exlamations, it comes before "a" or "an":
(1) What a scene!
I wonder if this use of the indefinite article is mandatory and, if so, what would be the reason.
Theoretically, if the noun following what is uncountable or plural, there could be no indefinite article. For example, can you say this?:
(2) What scenery!
Or this?
(3) What scenes!
(1) What a scene!
I wonder if this use of the indefinite article is mandatory and, if so, what would be the reason.
Theoretically, if the noun following what is uncountable or plural, there could be no indefinite article. For example, can you say this?:
(2) What scenery!
Or this?
(3) What scenes!
Top answer
Same rule applies as normal with "a" and "an". They are generally used before a singular noun. I'm sure you can use 2 and 3 as written.
- Same rule applies as normal with "a" and "an".
- They are generally used before a singular noun.
- I'm sure you can use 2 and 3 as written.
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2 Answers
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Same rule applies as normal with "a" and "an". They are generally used before a singular noun.
I'm sure you can use 2 and 3 as written.
I'm sure you can use 2 and 3 as written.
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JungKimI wonder if this use of the indefinite article is mandatoryNo, because you don't use an article with an indefinite plural or with a non-count noun.
Just set up the indefinite noun phrase with "a", "an", or no article as you would in any other context. Then put "what" in front of it. That is, in fact, what you've done in (2) and (3), so those
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