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jack112

#91355 Tue, 19 Apr 05 04:20 AM

Are these correct? If not, why? What do they mean?
1. What kind of pants are these?
2. What kind of pants is these?

jack112

Joined on Thu, Jul 22 2004

Regular Member (715)

nona the brit

#91380 Tue, 19 Apr 05 07:37 AM

Pants (or trousers to us BrE speakers) are slightly odd in that they are considered plural. I am wearing a pair of trousers. They are black and do not have any pockets.

I don't know why...two legs? But then jumpers (sweaters) have two arms and are not talked about in the plural.

So anyway, 1 is correct.

nona the brit

Joined on Wed, Sep 22 2004

England

Veteran Member (11,450)

The name says it all.

Plurals

jack112

#91388 Tue, 19 Apr 05 08:17 AM

What about this:

1. What pair of pants is this?
2. What pair of pants are these? (Incorrect?)

jack112

abbie1948

#91434 Tue, 19 Apr 05 12:49 PM

I have been searching for an explanation (the things we do!) The only one I can come up with is that perhaps originally 'pants' comprised 2 separate legs which were tied around the waist. I believe this is the case for the first women's undergarments.

abbie1948

Joined on Thu, Mar 24 2005

England

Senior Member (2,657)

Hope that helps. Abbie