indefinite article

**lille82** · 22-Jan-2013, 19:39

"Many people think ants are a pest." Could anybody please explain why the usage of the indefinite article is correct in this sentence? Thanks.

**emsr2d2** · 22-Jan-2013, 19:40

They are one of a group of insects commonly referred to as pests. It could just as easily have said "Many people think ants are pests".

**lille82** · 22-Jan-2013, 20:04

Could you give some other examples including this structure (plural noun + plural verb + a + singular noun?)

**emsr2d2** · 22-Jan-2013, 20:09

Some people think spiders are a pain in the neck.
Many people think that traffic wardens are a nightmare to deal with.
Very few people think film directors are a marvel.

**lille82** · 22-Jan-2013, 20:11

Thank you so much.

**5jj** · 22-Jan-2013, 21:21

Originally Posted by lille82

Thank you so much.

Most people agree that language forum moderators are a great benefit to humanity.

**Winwin2011** · 23-Jan-2013, 07:34

Originally Posted by emsr2d2

Some people think spiders are a pain in the neck.
Many people think that traffic wardens are a nightmare to deal with.
Very few people think film directors are a marvel.

Hi ems

I am wondering if it is correct to say "Very few people think film directors are marvels."? Why do we use " a marvel" after "film directors are"?

Thanks.

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