[Grammar] He is a singer or A dancer. (Is it correct to use A in this sentence?)

[Sahil Dhankhar]

This is not my homework.

Which of the following sentences are correct?

1-He is a singer or a dancer.
2-He is a singer or dancer.

3-I will give you a pen or a pencil.
4-I will give you a pen or pencil.

 

[Raymott]

1 and 3 are correct.

 

[jutfrank]

1 and 2 don't make sense. It should be He's a singer and dancer.

3 and 4 are fine.

 

[Raymott]

1 and 2 don't make sense. It should be He's a singer and dancer.

3 and 4 are fine.

I can't see the problem with 1. 1-He is a singer or a dancer. I'd prefer "He's either a singer or a dancer."
I don't think your solution works if he wanted 'and'. Also, if he wanted 'and', "He's a singer and a dancer" is fine, as in "He's a gentleman and a scholar."

 

[Sahil Dhankhar]

Is the following sentence correct?

He is a singer or a dancer or a poet.

 

[emsr2d2]

Don't repeat "or" like that.

He's a singer, a dancer or a poet.

 

[jutfrank]

I can't see the problem with 1. 1-He is a singer or a dancer. I'd prefer "He's either a singer or a dancer."

Okay, I suppose it could mean that, yes.

 

[Sahil Dhankhar]

I, in no way, am trying to prove you incorrect but I think there is a difference in your sentence and mine.

"He's a singer, a dancer or a poet." This sentence implies that "or" is functioning between "a dancer" and "a poet" only and it seems to be disconnected from a singer. Am I wrong?

Also, please tell me is the use of articles correct in the following sentence?
He is a singer, dancer and poet.

 

[Sahil Dhankhar]

I think it should be "He's a gentleman and scholar" as we don't use articles multiple times for the same person/thing. (Both, either-or, neither-nor, not only-but also are some exceptions.)

He is a singer and dancer.

He is both a singer and a dancer.
He is either a singer or a dancer.
He is neither a singer nor a dancer.
He is not only a singer but also a dancer.

 

[Raymott]

I think it should be "He's a gentleman and scholar" as we don't use articles multiple times for the same person/thing.

That's good to know. Thanks. But I thought you were asking us what we say.