is it right? silly question about articles
This road is in A very bad condition.
This road is in very bad condition.
Should I use article 'A' ?
Search from various English teachers...
Answers · 9
2
This road is in very bad condition.
OR:
This road is in a very bad state.
But NOT:
This road is in a very bad condition.
1
In the sentence "The road is in very bad condition." the phrase "bad condition" indicates a non-discrete property.
It is similar to "less water". It is not proper to say "fewer water"; you should instead say "less water".
For discrete entities like items or states, you can refer to "fewer items" or "a state".
1
Both alternatives are perfectly OK, and mostly mean the same as each other. Arguably 'good condition' is somehow longer-term, whereas 'a good condition' is implicitly one condition of many, hence more transient. For example, if I am in bad condition, that probably means I get little exercise, and eat and drink too much: this is a semi-permanent state. If I am in a bad condition, that might mean I broke my arm this morning. This distinction is not always relevant or apparent - if i were describing the condition of a car or road I would use them interchangeably.
1
This sentence is perfect --- "This road is in very bad condition."
Hope this helps!
0
Thank you, Sergio! could you explain why?
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