At short notice vs. At a moment's notice

[Tom]

Hi

Do you use these phrases:

At short notice

and

At a moment's notice?

Why is the article missing in the first one?

Thanks in advance

Tom

[Mister Micawber]

.
Yes, I use both. Since there is no article in the first one, notice must be both an uncountable and a countable noun:

Notice has been taken of the problems in our office.
Three notices have been posted on the internet.
He left work without (giving) notice.

Here is Dictionary.com's selection of definitions-- you will notice that some are countable and others not:

" 1. The act of noting or observing; perception or attention: That detail escaped my notice.
2. Respectful attention or consideration: grateful for the teacher's notice.
3. A written or printed announcement: a notice of sale.
4a. A formal announcement, notification, or warning, especially an announcement of one's intention to withdraw from an agreement or leave a job: gave my employer two weeks' notice; raised the price without notice.
b. The condition of being formally warned or notified: put us on notice for chronic lateness.
5. A printed critical review, as of a play or book."
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Yankee]

Hi Tom

Like Mr. Micawber, I also use both phrases.

If you look at definition 4 in Mr. Micawber's post, I think you'll find the usage of "notice" that is similar to your examples. And as you can see, when you use the word "notice" this way, there is no article.

This concept of "notice" can be further modified to reflect how long in advance notice is given before something happens or has to be done:
- short notice
- two weeks' notice
- a moment's notice

In my opinion, the word "a" in "at a moment's notice" is connected with the noun moment rather than with the noun notice. In other words, "a moment" means the same as "one moment". So, "a" simply clarifies the length of time. Theoretically, I could also say "three moments' notice", for example.

You don't add the word "a" in "at short notice" because the word "short" is an adjective.

Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Tom]

Dear Mr. Micawber and Amy

I am very much grateful to you. It was really very helpful.

Tom

[Mister Micawber]

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