Many a man

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

Could I see Many a man smiles as: there are many a-man-smiles cases?

I mean, many is a kind of adverb, here.

2

No, you won’t see that, and ‘many’ remains an adjective in that structure:

[i]–adjective

noting each one of a large number (usually fol. by a or an): ‘For many a day it rained’.[/i]

3

Yes. I agree with Mr. Micawber too. Let’s take it easy by analysing many in the phrase Many men instead of Many a man though they have a bit difference in meaning.

4

Thank you, MM. But what is the bit difference in meaning between many men and many a man, Mr. Winter?

5

Just like mister Micawber said. Many a man emphasizes each man in a large number of men but many men implies a number of men generally. Also, many a man requires a singular verb while many men requires a plural one.

6

Thanks a lot, VW, for the teaching.

7

Omg. I’m not teaching as I’m not a teacher. You can call my replies consultations or helps. Now, let’s wait for mister Micawber’s reply.