Indefinite Article Adverb Adjective
The indefinite article is used in the following order: Indefinite Article Adverb Adjective.
Indefinite Article + Adjective
Rule #1.3: The indefinite article precedes an adjective which is followed by a singular, indefinite, countable noun.
a man
a strong man
an elephant
a big elephant
a book
an excellent book
a spider
an ugly spider
Notice that the use of the indefinite article depends on the sound of the adjective, not the noun that follows it.
[WpProQuiz 55]
Indefinite Article + Adverb + Adjective
Rule #1.4: The indefinite article precedes an adverb when it is followed by adjective before a singular, indefinite, countable noun
a strong man
a really strong man
a written story
an honestly written story
an accepted truth
a universally accepted truth
a beautiful woman
an unbelievably beautiful woman
Notice that the use of the indefinite article depends on the sound of the adverb, not the adjective or noun that follows it.
[WpProQuiz 56]
[WpProQuiz 57]
Indefinite Article Adverb Order Exceptions
Exception to Rule #1.4: The indefinite article follows the adverbs quite and such when used with a singular, indefinite, countable noun
Correct: Mr Smith is such a great teacher.
Incorrect: Mr Smith is a such great teacher.
Correct: This is quite a delicious meal.
Incorrect: This is a quite delicious meal.
Correct: Bill is such a loser.
Incorrect: Bill is a such loser.
Correct: You’re quite a talker.
Incorrect: You’re a quite talker.
[WpProQuiz 58]
Extra! Such can only be used with nouns, if a noun is not present so is used instead.
She is such a talented programmer.
She is so talented.
This is such a good book.
This is so good.
You are such a nice guy.
You are so nice.
It’s such a hot day.
It’s so hot.