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Snappy Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Usage of indefinite article

"You may use a dictionary during the test."
Does this mean it is okay to use only a single dictionary or any dictionary (i.e., more than one dictionary)?
  

Top answer

, more than one dictionary)? It means you may use a dictionary, which means you may use any (one) dictionary. You may use any dictionary does not mean you may use more than one dictionary; it means you may choose any (one) dictionary that you like from among many dictionaries (more than one); you are not restricted to one specific dictionary.

— CalifJim

  • , more than one dictionary)?
  • It means you may use a dictionary, which means you may use any (one) dictionary.
  • You may use any dictionary does not mean you may use more than one dictionary; it means you may choose any (one) dictionary that you like from among many dictionaries (more than one); you are not restricted to one specific dictionary.
  • It doesn't matter which one.
  • It matters how many (only one).
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5 Answers
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Snappy"You may use a dictionary during the test."
Does this mean it is okay to use only a single dictionary or any dictionary (i.e., more than one dictionary)?

It means you may use a dictionary, which means you may use any (one) dictionary. You may use any dictionary does not mean you may use more than one dictionary; it me
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It's not clear. I would suggest it means you can use any dictionary you choose, but perhaps only one of them (whichever one you chose).

For example if it said "You may bring a dictionary with you to the exam room" I would not show up with three or four, but I can bring whichever dictionary is my favorite.

(Please let's not have a discussion on bring/take on this one.)
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Grammar GeekIt's not clear. I would suggest it means you can use any dictionary you choose, but perhaps only one of them (whichever one you chose).

For example if it said "You may bring a dictionary with you to the exam room" I would not show up with three or four, but I can bring whichever dictionary is my favorite.

(Please let's not have a discussio
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Snappy
Grammar GeekIt's not clear. I would suggest it means you can use any dictionary you choose, but perhaps only one of them (whichever one you chose).

For example if it said "You may bring a dictionary with you to the exam room" I would not show up with three or four, but I can bring whichever dictionary is my favorite.

(Pl
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A dictionary.

Without doubt, that will be the far more common form. "He can use dictionaries" sounds extremely unnatural.
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