Sounds incorrect but, would someone tell me why please?

[AleynDLester]

I have noticed that spoken phrases such as "An astonishing a hundred..." has become common usage amongst TV News Readers.

What the "Hundred" is does not really matter. It may be people, yards, metres etc. However, it does refer to the number 100. It may also be followed by digits up to 199.

Certainly this spoken phrase sounds so wrong. Possibly it could be missinterpreted by the hard of hearing as Eight Hundred.

Just a BTW ~ I have emailed the Editors of major TV News Services questioning the use of this phrase and, as you may expect, had no replies!

Perhaps someone could tell me if this type of phrase is incorrect? (And, very cheekily, if it is incorrect, persuade the news services not to use it!)

Thanks ~ Aleyn

[Tdol]

I think you're right; it shouldbe 'an astonishing hundred'. Unfoortunately, here in the UK, editors are more interested in ratings than accuracy, so they probably won't listen. Your argument about people with hearing difficulties is a good one, so I'll ask around for some contacts.

[AleynDLester]

Many Thanks, Aleyn

[Tdol]

You're welcome.