quarter a mile

[Bennevis]

Dear forumers,

how do you usually use the collocation "quarter a mile"?

Which one is correct, in your opinion?

1) Walk about quarter a mile.
2) Walk about a quarter a mile.

Thank you.

[Bennevis]

I feel we don't need an article in front of "quarter" here. It's like saying "half a mile", isn't it?

[SoothingDave]

Walk about a quarter mile.

Or "a quarter of a mile."

But not "quarter a mile."

[Bennevis]

Walk about a quarter mile.

Or "a quarter of a mile."

But not "quarter a mile."

SoothingDave, thank you. Can you think of any context in which "quarter a mile" could be used?

[emsr2d2]

SoothingDave, thank you. Can you think of any context in which "quarter a mile" could be used?

I've never heard "quarter a mile".

I think there's another BrE vs AmE difference here:

BrE = Walk a quarter of a mile.
AmE = Walk a quarter mile.

I'm sure my American colleagues will correct me if I'm wrong.

[SoothingDave]

I've never heard "quarter a mile".

I think there's another BrE vs AmE difference here:

BrE = Walk a quarter of a mile.
AmE = Walk a quarter mile.

I'm sure my American colleagues will correct me if I'm wrong.

An American could use either phrase, but I think the shorter form would be more common.

[5jj]

Can you think of any context in which "quarter a mile" could be used?

Possibly you are thinking of 'half a mile', which is acceptable in BrE; 'quarter a mile' isn't.