不定冠詞與such, many, what的先后關系

當帶有不定冠詞的單數可數名詞被such, many, what 等修飾時，不定冠詞應置于其后。如：

It was absurd of you to suggest such a thing. 你竟提出這種事，真荒唐。

It was astonishing to everybody that the court had made such a decision. 法庭作出這樣的判決，所有人都感到很驚訝。

One of these days he’ll realize what a fool he’s been. 不久他就會明白他一直是多么愚蠢。

In order to show his boss what a careful worker he was, he took extra trouble over the figures. 為了向新老板顯示他是個工作非常細心的人，他在這些數字上費了比平常更多的力氣。

Many a young man has tried and failed. 很多年輕人都試過，而且失敗了。

Many a good climber has met his death on this mountain. 有許多優秀登山者都在這座山上身亡。

注：“many a+單數可數名詞”是比較正式的用法，更通俗的說法是“many+復數名詞”。如：

I have told him many a time to be polite. = I have told him many times to be polite. 我多次告訴他要有禮貌。

City life attracts many a country boy. = City life attracts many country boys. 都市生活吸引著許許多多的鄉村孩子。

No doubt she had many a tale to tell of the old days. = No doubt she had many tales to tell of the old days.毫無疑問，她有許多往日的故事要說。