Article
We need a translator with an excellent knowledge of Italian.
I want my children to have a good education.
Both knowledge and education are uncountable nouns. Uncountable nouns cannot be used with the indefinte article. However, in the above examples A is used in front of both nouns. Why? Is it possible to leave the article out or to put THE in front of knowledge and education.
2 answers 
I agree with you. As you said, both are uncountable nouns.
An excellent knowledge--> It is an adjective-noun combination.
a good education--->It is an adjective-noun combination.
We must use an indefinite article "a" or "an" before an adjective-noun combination.
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answered Nov 30 '12 at 13:34
sanjay
Expert
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Sanjay is right, Ema. The adjective before the noun is what makes the difference. When you say a "good education", there must be an alternative: a bad education. That is two types of education. Now it is countable.
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answered Nov 30 '12 at 16:18
Patty T
Grammarly Fellow
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What about the following example.
Please prepare a request for substantive examination of the application.
Examination is uncountable, there is an adjective in front of it, however it is used without an article. Why?
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