13. Article a – correct use
The article 'a' placed in front of a noun conveys the idea of 'one'. When writing about two separate objects, a second 'a' must be used.
If the two objects are considered as one, then the second 'a' may be left out.
• Incorrect: I have a hammer and chisel.
• Correct: I have a hammer and a chisel. (Here we are talking about two separate objects.)
• Incorrect: She has a son and daughter.
• Correct: She has a son and a daughter.
• Incorrect: The mechanic used a block and a tackle to lift the machine.
• Correct: The mechanic used a block and tackle to lift the machine. (Here we are talking about one object.)
14. Ask and ask for
Ask for: ask somebody to give something
Ask: ask somebody to tell something
• He asked me for a loan. (NOT He asked me a loan.)
• They asked ten dollars for the book.
• If you don't know the answer, ask the teacher. • Don't ask me my name. (NOT Don’t ask me for my name)
15. At first and first
At first is used to talk about the beginning of a situation.
It is often followed by but.
In other cases, we usually use first.
• At first everything seemed fine, but then things started going wrong.
• I first met her at a restaurant.
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