
English Teacher
Before two nouns seen as a single unit, we use 'a' or 'an'.
I have only one example; a knife and fork
My students want to know many examples.
Could you give me many examples please?
Yes, 'a pair of pants'; I've never heard "pantaloons" - except in historical contexts; and I seem to remember a children's book about a dog called that
While we're on the subject, we say 'a pair of pyjamas' although the same garment, in French, is singular.
Returning to the original question, this pattern occurs in many cases of tools or utensils or equipment: "a bucket and spade", "a brace and bit", "a rack and pinion", "a rod and line".... And sometimes the "a" relates to a singular noun that is preceded by a pair of nouns that function adjectivally: "a cock and bull story".
b
Thank you very much for your examples.
Is there one who can give some examples?
Please help me.
Thank you in advance!
a cup and saucer
a brother and sister
a shirt and tie
a shower and shave
a pen and paper
a piano and stool
a lock and key
a mortar and pestle
a mother and baby
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