ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: genitals

New2grammar — Fri, 09 May 2008 07:31:33 GMT

Does it bother you? I guess they should never be anywhere near each other or we might get a murder scene Is that what bothers you?

Re: genitals

Clive — Fri, 09 May 2008 04:40:36 GMT

Hi.

Do you really want to mention scissors in this thread?

Clive

Re: genitals

New2grammar — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:00:50 GMT

Re: genitals

Yoong Liat — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:46:30 GMT

Hi New2grammar

Although you've used 'part' all along, don't worry, your parts are still intact.

Re: genitals

New2grammar — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:27:03 GMT

You would be surprised :)

Re: genitals

Grammar Geek — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:07:31 GMT

How often does it come up in casual conversation??

Re: genitals

New2grammar — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:08:56 GMT

I've been using part all the while without realizing it's wrong. It probably sounds like it is dysfunctional to native speakers .

Re: genitals

Yoong Liat — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:59:34 GMT

Your genitals are your private parts. (not 'part')

Re: genitals

New2grammar — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:28:28 GMT

I think the easy way for me to remember is to think of it as scissors. No one part
can function by itself.We don't say a scissor to refer to one of the blades.I hope not.
fingers crossed.

Re: genitals

Mister Micawber — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:21:31 GMT

.
Yes and no. Both men and women have genitals (L. genitalia, also plural). They are complex organs, partly internal and partly external. Hence, the plural refers to their having several parts. By usage, however, it is a plural noun referring to the entire apparatus, so one part is not called a genital-- this latter is an adjective only.

genitals

New2grammar — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:15:57 GMT

Why do we use "genitals" in the plural form?

Is each part of the external sex organ considered one genital? For example, a testicle is a genital and two would be genitals.

Thanks in advance!