Sentence Structure – How to Use ‘How + Adjective + a/an + Noun’

sentence-structure

As far as I know I can use this structure(how + adjective + a/an + noun) with singular countable nouns. (The plural form is not possible, nor is using the definite article “the.” )

1- No matter how bad a mood you were in, you shouldn't have
gone there. (okay)

2- How soft a pillow do you need? (okay)

3- How long the story is it going to be? (wrong)

But I have seen these following sentences on a journal website and now I am really confused. (I have just learnt the rule I wrote above. Before not knowing it these following sentences would be okay to me but now I don't get it.

4- I can't describe how bad the situation was all night. (I don't know why this one is okay according to the rule)

5- Waiting to hear just how bad the news is. (I don't know why this one is okay according to the rule)

Best Answer

The rule you have learned (how+adj+a/an+noun) with the restriction on "the" only applies to direct questions. With reported speech, indirect questions, and direct statements you can use "a/an" or "the."

The following examples all work:

Direct Question:

  • How long a story is it?

Indirect Speech:

  • She asked how long a story it is.

  • She asked how long the story is.

  • I told you how long a story it is.

  • I told you how long the story is.

Direct Statement:

  • How long a story is depends on factors like the complexity of the plot and the amount of dialogue.

  • How long the story is depends on a variety of factors.

In statements and reported speech, using "the" is perfectly fine with both countable and uncountable nouns. The following examples are both fine:

No matter how nice the weather looks, you should always carry an umbrella. (uncountable)

I know how ugly the dress is, but you should still compliment the bride. (countable)

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