half - half of - half a

Question

Hello.Could you elaborate when to use half / half a / half of? Is there a rule behind it?

Klavier · Accepted Answer

Anyone?

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Could you elaborate when to use half / half a / half of? Is there a rule behind it? Here are a few general comments.

'Half a' includes the singular article. So, use 'half a' when you are talking about a thing that normally constitutes a single whole, eg he ate half an apple pie. eg 'half a loaf is better than none.' However, you can also say 'half of an apple pie' or 'half an apple pie'.

When you are speaking of plurals, a group of things, say 'half of', eg 'half of the students were late', or 'half the students were late'.

I'd say the most common usage is 'half of'. It seems easier to say.

Best wishes, Clive

half - half of - half a

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