Common Mistake: "a hundreds" instead of "a hundred"

One of the most common mistakes in English grammar is the incorrect usage of "a hundreds" instead of "a hundred".

When referring to a specific number, we use the word "hundred" to indicate exactly one hundred of something. It is a singular noun and should be preceded by the indefinite article "a" or "an", depending on the following sound.

Correct Usage: "a hundred"

• Incorrect: There are a hundreds of books on the shelf.
• Correct: There are a hundred books on the shelf.

Using "a hundreds" instead of "a hundred" is grammatically incorrect because "hundred" is a specific quantity. The word "hundreds" is used when we refer to an indefinite number that is more than one hundred.

Correct Usage: "hundreds"

• Incorrect: She has a hundreds of followers on social media.
• Correct: She has hundreds of followers on social media.

It's important to note that "hundred" can also be used as a noun on its own without the article "a". In such cases, it functions as a specific quantity.

Correct Usage: "hundred" as a noun

• Incorrect: I want to buy a book, but I only have a hundred in my wallet.
• Correct: I want to buy a book, but I only have a hundred in my wallet.

Using proper grammar is crucial for effective communication. To ensure your writing is free from mistakes, you can use the Linguix grammar checker, which helps identify and correct common grammar errors like this one.