Why We Say “A Good Two Hours” (Even with a Plural Noun)

Why We Say “A Good Two Hours” (Even with a Plural Noun)

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Grammar Drops

by Sergio Viula

Have you ever wondered why we use “a” before a plural noun — like in “a good two hours”?

Let’s drop some grammar! 

 
The Structure:

a + adjective + number / amount + plural noun

Examples:

1. a good two hours
2. a mere ten dollars
3. a solid three days
4. a cool thousand bucks

At first, it looks strange because “hours,” “dollars,” and “days” are plural —
but here’s the secret 

The Key Idea

Even though the noun is plural, the whole expression is treated as one unit —
a single amount of time, money, or distance.

So when we say:

• a good two hours,
• we’re not counting separate hours — we’re talking about one long period.
• That’s why we use “a.”

🚫 Common Mistake

❌ It costs mere $10.
✅ It costs a mere $10.

“Mere” always needs the article “a” in this structure.

Quick Summary

Even with plural nouns, we use “a” because the phrase refers to one complete unit —
a stretch of time, a total amount, or a single distance.

Think of it like this:

“a good two hours” = one long period
“a mere $10” = one small amount

Grammar Drops Tip

When you see a + adjective + number + plural noun, remember: you’re talking about one whole measure, not separate pieces.