shape vs. a shape

[azz]

a. She is in too good shape to play the role of an overweight lady.
b. He is in too good shape for me to beat him in a race.

c. She is in too good a shape to play the role of an overweight lady.​
d. He is in too good a shape for me to beat him in a race.​


Which of the above are grammatically correct?
Which are natural?

Many thanks.​

[admin]

c and d

[Darryl]

I would go a and b.

[admin]

Sorry - I mistyped to start with. I have just changed it to c and d
a and b would not be standard BrE

[azz]

Thank you so much Duncan and Darryl.


How about these?

a. They are in too bad shape to be able to do it.
b. They are in too bad a shape to be able to do it.
c. They are in too bad shapes to be able to do it.

d. Their shape is such that they can't do it.
e. Their shapes are such that they can't do it.

Many thanks.

[Darryl]

Azz, you are playing with fixed phrases there. Your sentences c,  d and e lose that.
Something (or someone) is in good shape or they are in bad shape. No article required.
To refer to your original post, I think it would be better to avoid the use of the article by separating the two thoughts:
a. She is in good shape; too good to play the role of an overweight lady.
b. He is in good shape; too good for me to beat him in a race.