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Can we use "a" after "many"? What does it mean, then?

Example:

Every living thing (and perhaps many a dead one as well) pays heed to that call. source

J.R.
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Sasan
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1 Answers1

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Yes you can use 'a/an' after many.
This is a more formal or old-fashioned expression I suppose.
Like the adjective - (She was depressed for many months) and
pronoun form (Some workers will be willing to work on sunday, but many will not.) of many, Many a/an is used to indicate a large number of something. However it takes a singular noun.

Some Examples:
She remained hidden from the public for many a year. [for many years]
I've been to Paris many a time. [= many times]
Many a politician has promised to make changes. [Politician and has are singular].

Rio1210
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  • Can we say "many a/an year" means more years than "many years"? – Sasan Jan 17 '17 at 22:26
  • If you include the sentence that you're trying to use it in, it'd be better. For example, for many a year it didn't rain.. – Rio1210 Jan 17 '17 at 22:29