not using a or an before countable nouns?
hello!
Do we need to use a/an before a singular countable noun? (if we don't want to use any other determiner)
because sometimes see an example of that and when I asked about it, my teacher said it's usage is for general terms but I'm not sure about the answer

Question

not using a or an before countable nouns?
hello!
Do we need to use a/an before a singular countable noun? (if we don't want to use any other determiner)
because sometimes see an example of that and when I asked about it, my teacher said it's  usage is for general terms but I'm not sure about the answer

Answer

I'm presuming that your teacher is talking about words which are usually countable being used with a different meaning.

For example, 'man' is a countable noun when it means an individual human adult male, so it always has to have a determiner when used in this sense.  Compare this with 'man' meaning the human race, which has no determiner.

Answer

I can't think of a situation where I use a singular countable noun without a determined. Can you give an example of where you've seen it?

Answer

In proper English singular countable nouns MUST have determiners.

Answer

Your textbook will explain this.

If you don't have a textbook, English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy is excellent.  The paper copy is reasonably priced and there is a PDF floating somewhere on the net.

Units 69-78.

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