many an

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Adjective phrase (determiner): Used to indicate a large but indefinite number of individual items or people, considered one by one. It emphasizes that something is true for numerous individual cases within a larger group. It is always followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.
Usage
  • The phrase "many a" functions as a determiner. It is formal and literary.
  • It must be followed by a singular countable noun (e.g., , , ).
  • The verb that follows must also be in the singular form to agree with the singular noun.
  • It means the same as "many" followed by a plural noun, but with a more formal or emphatic tone.
Examples
  • Many a student has struggled with this concept. (Many students have struggled...)
  • Many a true word is spoken in jest. (This is a proverb meaning jokes often contain truth.)
  • I have walked down many a lonely road. (I have walked down many lonely roads.)
  • Many a man has tried and failed. (Many men have tried and failed.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Many an": This is the form used before a noun beginning with a vowel sound.
    • Many an hour was spent in discussion.
    • Many an opportunity has been lost.
  • The phrase can be part of more complex, formal structures.
    • For many a long year, he waited. (For many long years, he waited.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Many (determiner/pronoun): The standard, more common word used with plural nouns and verbs.
    • Many students are in the library.
  • Many another (adjective phrase): A variant with similar meaning and grammatical structure.
    • Many another explorer has faced the same dangers.
Synonyms
  • Numerous (a more general adjective).
  • A great many (a phrase used with plural nouns).
  • Countless (emphasizes an uncountable number).
Related Idioms
  • Many a time: On many occasions.
    • Many a time I have told you to be careful.
  • Many's the...: A related, even more literary or archaic structure with the same meaning and singular grammar.
    • Many's the night I lay awake worrying. (Many are the nights... / On many nights...)
Adjective
  1. each of a large indefinite number
    • many a man
    • many another day will come

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ tương tự

Từ gần giống

Từ chứa "many an"