of great size vs. of a great size

Question

Hello!How do you best deal with the indefinite article in the following examples:This man had unusual weightvs.This man had an unusual weightThis object was of great sizevs.This object was of a great sizeShe was a woman of great heightvs.She was a woman of a great heightMy preference is to omit the "a" in all the three examples. My American friend told me, "just say 'she was very tall, etc.', it will be easier", but I like to understand how this works.Thank you!

Fivejedjon · Accepted Answer

I'm with your American friend. Your sentences are very unnatural, with or without an article.

CalifJim · Answer

victorkMy preference is to omit the "a" in all the three examples.

I'd omit it in the second and third, not in the first. No, I don't know exactly why.

victorkMy American friend told me, "just say 'she was very tall, etc.', it will be easier", but I like to understand how this works.

Annoying, isn't it? The most idiomatic expressions don't illustrate much of interest grammatically. You come up with the best examples you can to frame your question, and then somebody tells you "We don't say it that way anyway".

CJ

Fivejedjon · Answer

Actually, it works with some words. He's a man of great intelligence/faith/talents/etc.

Victork · Answer

Hello, CJ and Fivejedjon!

Thanks to both of you! I knew you'd come through.

Yes, it is annoying to be told all that.

But it is possible to say "the politician was of considerable political weight", etc.

Of course, I was talking about physical characteristics in my examples.

Okay, I will take the easier route!

Thank you, guys!

of great size vs. of a great size

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