"Don't you have mercy?" vs "Don't you have a mercy?"

Question

"Don't you have mercy?" vs "Don't you have a mercy?"

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'Don't you have a mercy?' implies the presence of a specific mercy, while 'Don't you have mercy?' is a more general question about the concept of mercy. The choice between the two depends on the context and the intended meaning.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

This phrase is used when asking about the presence of mercy in a general sense, without referring to a specific instance of mercy. It is a more common way to inquire about someone's capacity for mercy.

Alternatives:

Do you have any mercy?
Have you no mercy?
Do you possess mercy?
Are you capable of mercy?
Can you show mercy?

This phrase is used when asking about the existence of a particular mercy in a specific context. It suggests that there is a specific mercy that the speaker is aware of or expecting.

Alternatives:

Don't you have any mercy?
Don't you have a shred of mercy?
Don't you have a bit of mercy?
Don't you have a little mercy?
Don't you have an ounce of mercy?

Answer 1

Don't you have mercy?

This phrase is correct and more commonly used in everyday English. It is a general question about the concept of mercy.

Answer 2

Don't you have a mercy?

This phrase is correct but less common in everyday English. It implies the presence of a specific mercy that is being referred to.

"Don't you have mercy?" vs "Don't you have a mercy?"

Don't you have mercy?

Don't you have a mercy?

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