The indefinite article in Spanish phraseology: a functional-stylistic analysis

Abstract

This study examines the functioning of the Spanish indefinite article (un, una, unos, unas) within phraseological units as a grammatical device of determination that provides referential characterization of nouns and events. The research focuses on how the choice of article form relates to the parameters of individualization (reference to a concrete instance), particularization (one of many), typification (establishing a model for comparison), and the representation of processual meaning as a single event in verb–noun constructions. Special attention is given to idiomatic patterns where the article marks minimal quantity (ni un…) or distribution of a set (unos… otros…), with comparisons to cases where the forms function as a numeral or an indefinite pronoun. The methodology combines a functional–stylistic approach in line with Guillaume’s psychomechanics, corpus analysis (CORDE/CREA), distributional–contextual study of fixed models, diagnostic tests of form status and lexicographic verification. The novelty of the study lies in interpreting the indefinite article as a means of referential characterization in phraseological models. It is shown that the forms un, una, unos, unas define the parameters of individualization, particularization, typification, the presentation of events as single, and the indication of minimal quantity and distribution. A working classification is proposed (predicative–evaluative, comparative, verb–noun, and negative–distributive constructions), together with a set of diagnostic tests for determining form status. The findings clarify the conditions under which these forms function as an article, a numeral, or an indefinite pronoun, refining the traditional view of complete grammaticalization in phraseology. Results demonstrate that the article systematically regulates the degree of generality versus specificity and the intensity of evaluative meaning, with contrasts shifting the interpretation from general to individualized and from neutral to emphatically evaluative. The conclusions have practical value for lexicographic description of idioms and translation, ensuring accurate equivalence and preservation of stylistic effect.