Some say "...a myriad of..." and others say... "myriad" only ...as in myriad choices make the selection much harder. I think the second is correct but most everyone I hear use it say "a myriad". Today it was Hilary Clinton on the national news. I say she's wrong.
2006-12-18 14:31:30 · 8 answers · asked by Gnome S 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
when the word myriad is a noun, you need the indefinate article
when it's an adjective, or with ownership, you don't need the article
in my head, myriad means "[a] multitude of" but i often see it with the article, even when none is needed - and i usually think the authors are wrong!
2006-12-18 14:46:24 · answer #1 · answered by Jim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Merriam-Webster.com states that, though both are correct, the noun form, "a myriad of" (as in "a myriad of choices") is in fact much older than the adjective form "myriad" (as in "myriad choices"), having been used in many famous literary works, and there is no reason to avoid it--despite the fact that many people question its use today.
2006-12-18 18:36:39 · answer #2 · answered by JD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Myriad, meaning a great many, can be used as either a noun or an adjective. In the sentence, "A myriad of brightly colored lights adorned the Christmas tree, " the word is used as a noun because it names something. But "Myriad choices of college subjects make me confused". In that sentence, myriad is an adjective as it describes or modifies choices.
2006-12-18 14:41:49 · answer #3 · answered by gldjns 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The forest had myriad trees. That is the correct use, although even journalists and writers often get this wrong.
2006-12-18 14:35:57 · answer #4 · answered by Jemma 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
either is right. Generally, when myriad is used as an adjective, there is no "a" with it. When used as a noun it becomes "a" myriad, showing possession. hope that helps.....
2006-12-18 14:37:29 · answer #5 · answered by Aristippus1976 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is myriad only......Myriad describes what "is" or "of" within itself... similar example is "she's really pregnant".... which is impossible, one can only "be" pregnant. It describes it wihin itself. "I have myriad responses to my question" would be the appropriate usage. be well, Jack
2006-12-18 14:35:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
there are a myriad of examples I could give you.
2006-12-18 14:40:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You do not use the modifier "a" with myriad:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/myriad
And Hillary Clinton is wrong on all levels, not the least of which is her lack of grammatical skill.
Great question!
2006-12-18 14:34:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋