[General] usage of the article "a" with numerical force

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough to tell me whether I am right to assert that sometimes you may use the article “a” with numerical force?

“She also hopes that her son ill do everything to please Mr. and Mrs. Squeers, and look upon them as his only friends; and that he will love Master Squeers, and not object to sleeping five in a bed.”

There are on analogy the following examples: “not a word”, “in a minute”, “at a blow”, two at a time”, at a gasp”.

Thank you for your efforts.

Regards.

V.

[shade878]

Hi Vil
I`m a student too. I think you can use this article in the following cases:
The "a" article is used when you describe something unspecified for example: "a" bed refer to any bed
not "a" word refer to any word but no have sense.. you can say: don´t say a word
in "a" minute refer to any time not specific minute
at "a" blow refer to any knock I think...hahah
at "a" gasp refer to any shout

[David L.]

The "a" article is used when you describe something unspecified, for example: "a" bed refers to any bed.

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by vil

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough to tell me whether I am right to assert that sometimes you may use the article “a” with numerical force?

What do you mean by "numerical force"?

[IvanV]

Originally Posted by shade878

not "a" word refer to any word but no have sense.. you can say: don´t say a word
in "a" minute refer to any time not specific minute
at "a" blow refer to any knock I think...hahah
at "a" gasp refer to any shout

A = one.

[RonBee]

five in a bed - five people to a bed
in a minute - right away; as soon as I finish what I am doing
at a blow - immediately; in one fell swoop
not a word - nothing: He said not a word.