[Grammar] He was too honest a merchant? He was a too honest merchant?

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wotcha

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WHich one is correct grammatically ?

1.He was too honest a merchant.
2. He was a too honest merchant.

My grammar book says 1 is correct. Is it true? If it is , why?

Why not 2?

thx.
 

TheParser

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WHich one is correct grammatically ?

1.He was too honest a merchant.
2. He was a too honest merchant.

My grammar book says 1 is correct. Is it true? If it is , why?

Why not 2?

thx.

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Hello, Wotcha.

(1) One grammar book says that a sentence like No. 2 IS

grammatical.

BUT it is NOT idiomatic. That is, native speakers have

decided that the order of No. 1 SOUNDS better to them.

(2) Some more examples:

How excellent a view.

So sweet a story.

Too great a sacrifice.

Such an expression.

Such a good friend.


(3) This book says that "a so sweet story"/ "a how excellent view" and

other expressions in "correct" order would sound "awkward" and

"ridiculous" to the ears of native speakers.

(4) Learners should just accept these exceptions (such as "many a

boy") as IDIOMS.

***** Thank you for your question *****:)
 

wotcha

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
Korean
Home Country
South Korea
Current Location
South Korea
***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Hello, Wotcha.

(1) One grammar book says that a sentence like No. 2 IS

grammatical.

BUT it is NOT idiomatic. That is, native speakers have

decided that the order of No. 1 SOUNDS better to them.

(2) Some more examples:

How excellent a view.

So sweet a story.

Too great a sacrifice.

Such an expression.

Such a good friend.


(3) This book says that "a so sweet story"/ "a how excellent view" and

other expressions in "correct" order would sound "awkward" and

"ridiculous" to the ears of native speakers.

(4) Learners should just accept these exceptions (such as "many a

boy") as IDIOMS.

***** Thank you for your question *****:)


Thanks a million!
 
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