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Daithy Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Indefinite article....

"I'll take an apple and orange."

or

"I'll take an apple and an orange."

Which is correct, both or either? I have a feeling that both could be correct, and it is up to the writer to decide.

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Daithy Which is correct, both or either? Only the second seems right to me—one of each is being specified.

— Mister Micawber

  • Daithy Which is correct, both or either?
  • Only the second seems right to me—one of each is being specified.
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13 Answers
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DaithyWhich is correct, both or either?
Only the second seems right to me—one of each is being specified.
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I had always thought that the indefinite article before 'and' applies to both nouns, unless definite article is placed after.
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DaithyI had always thought that the indefinite article before 'and' applies to both nouns, unless definite article is placed after.
Not when you are concerned with enumerating them.
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A further small comment.

I assume this is a request. If so, 'I'll take . . . ' would sound rude where I live, unless you add 'please'.
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A quote from The Hobbit:

Bilbo would have lied to say: "A warm bath and late breakfast on the lawn afterwards;" but he thought it better to say nothing at all.

Notice that there is only one indefinite article to serve both nouns.
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DaithyNotice that there is only one indefinite article to serve both nouns.
Yes, fine. What is your point?
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Mister Micawber Daithy: I had always thought that the indefinite article before 'and' applies to both nouns, unless definite article is placed after.Not when you are concerned with enumerating them.
I think this example is similar the original post I made: Both are nouns that require an indefinite article. Doesn't the first
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Daithy Both are nouns that require an indefinite article.
No. 'Breakfast', like other meals, is often used without an article. 'Bath' usually requires an article.

I usually have a bath before ( I have) breakfast.
I usually have breakfast after I have a bath
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fivejedjon Daithy Both are nouns that require an indefinite article.No. 'Breakfast', like other meals, is often used without an article. 'Bath' usually requires an article.I usually have a bath before ( I have) breakfast.I usually have breakfast after I have a bath
Oh, that explains it, thanks. I will keep on the lookout, however. I am sure that I have seen it
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Daithy I also asked a local, Ireland, friend about this and this was his reply:Either is acceptable, as far as I know: "I have a house and car," is as acceptable as "I have a house and a car".
"I have a house and car is more acceptable than "I'll take an apple and orange". Indeed, it's not impossible to say, though I don't recommend it, "I have house and car"
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