Fòram na Gàidhlig

Best I can see is that dà is used for two when coupled with a noun, otherwise when freestanding it's dhà i.e.

* Tha dà chù agam - I have two dogs
* a h-aon, a dhà, a trì - One, two three
* Àireamh a dhà - Number two

However, I've then seen "I have two as well" written two different ways:

* Tha dhà agam cuideachd
* Tha a dhà agam cuideachd

Which is correct? If it's the latter would the conclusion be that dhà (when representing two) is always prefixed by a?

It's not iron-clad but rule of thumb is to use the a h-aon a dhà series if there is no noun following and you're not doing math (in the loosest sense, i.e. this includes things like dates and years).

I think in noun-less phrases this is preferred because it turns the monsyllabic numbers into two syllables. Alternatively it could be an emphasis thing in noun-less phrases.

Tang