Infinik  +  801310 Tue, 30 Jun 09 07:03 AM Hi there, got his very simple question (not one I can answer though...)   When is the plural form of a unit used?   For any amount less than unity, is it proper to give them plurality? (am I missing some linguistic reasoning here) For example, is the following usage of the units correct (singular or plural)?   It weighs 0.5 tons. Add 0.5 grams of salt.   How about "half a ton"?   It weighs half a ton. (which means 0.5 ton(s)!?)     Infinik Joined on Mon, Jan 14 2008 Full Member 115 Plurals, Usages

	Mister Micawber  +  801318 Tue, 30 Jun 09 07:10 AM Swan says: "With fractions below 1, we normally use 'of a' + singular noun, and the same is true of decimals below 1:  three quarters of a ton; 0.75 of a ton. However, decimals below 1 can also be followed directly by a plural noun: 0.75 tons. Mister Micawber Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004 Yokohama Veteran Member 30,788 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.' Plurals, Nouns, Singular Nouns, Singular