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.
[WpProQuiz 59]