http://www.englishforums.com/English/EslGeneralEnglishGrammar-Questions/Forum12.htmAsk your questions on grammar and get your sentence checked. We answer lots of different types of general English grammar questions here. <font color=red>DO NOT post paragraphs and compositions here. Post them in our <a href="http://www.englishforums.com/English/EssayReportCompositionWriting/Forum9.htm"><b>Essay, Report and Composition Writing Forum</b></a>.</font>enXMOD (Build: 3614.32638)http://www.englishforums.com/English/Articles/brdlh/post.htm#84708Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:35:35 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:84708paco20040http://www.englishforums.com/English/Articles/brdlh/post.htm#84708http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments12-84708.xmlHello (A.) The pen is mightier than the sword. (B.) Pens are mightier than swords. (A.) makes sense but (B.) not. 'Pens' and 'swords' mean nothing but tools for writing and those for fighting. 'The pen' and 'the sword' could mean abilities of writing and those of fighting. pacohttp://www.englishforums.com/English/Articles/brdlh/post.htm#84683Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:35:35 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:84683CalifJim1http://www.englishforums.com/English/Articles/brdlh/post.htm#84683http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments12-84683.xmlWhat exactly is the difference between ( A ) "The pen is mightier than the sword" and ( B ) "Pens are mightier than swords"? There are three exact differences, as you can see: 1. "the pen" is used in ( A ) where "pens" is used in ( B ). 2. "the sword" is used in ( A ) where "swords" is used in ( B ). 3. Because of the difference in number, "is" is used in ( A ) where "are" is used in ( B ). Only A is the correct wording of the proverb. B is an incorrect form of that proverb which is perfectly grammatical and means the same thing, but is not so poetic in style. I think the singular with "the" is usually used instead of the plural when the author wants to make a loftier, more poetic expression. (Some people may prefer to call...http://www.englishforums.com/English/Articles/brdlh/post.htm#84682Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:35:35 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:84682julielai2http://www.englishforums.com/English/Articles/brdlh/post.htm#84682http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments12-84682.xmlOOPs, sorry. I didn't answer your question. The former is the standard saying, while the latter is a variation of it. Depends on how many people are holding pens/swords . . .http://www.englishforums.com/English/Articles/brdlh/post.htm#84631Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:35:35 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:84631julielai3http://www.englishforums.com/English/Articles/brdlh/post.htm#84631http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments12-84631.xmlYour words are more powerful than your weapon. An example: Let's say I'm a journalist and I want to do something about police corruption. I can either a) go after the bad cops myself (physically) or b) write a story on the newspaper and educate the public about the issue. According to this saying, b is more effective than a.http://www.englishforums.com/English/Articles/brdlh/post.htmThu, 23 Apr 2009 19:35:35 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:84582Guest4http://www.englishforums.com/English/Articles/brdlh/post.htmhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/comments12-84582.xmlwhat exactly is the difference between The pen is mightier than the sword and pens are mightier than swords?