In Constructions^x, Plurals^x

Yes, it's odd way not to use "a". Indeed, "any=some" implies itself plural noun to be used. So the difference in translation some of constructions in English seems to be slightly smoothed between two meanings you mentioned above. At least it's so in my language.

Although I use the construction often in other places, I do not remember ever using not only...but also as the subject of a sentence. Perhaps your problem in choosing a singular or plural verb is exactly why I don't deal with it.

1. Would say this is natural in terms of grammar. I think I asked a similar question before and I think Mr. M said something like the construction like "a yellow and red pen" first brings up a notion of one pen with two different colors. They are divided over a spiritual and literal...

Argumentum ad hominem!Go and read some Causer or Shakespeare. This construction is over 500 years old. Although many 19th century grammars shunned it, almost all 21st century models have embraced it once again.Just a typo. No need for a personal attack. What's the big deal anyway, it...

UseIt is we who have to apologize.or It is us who have to apologize.or We are the ones who have to apologize. See Re: It's you who is/are answering me if you want to get into the nitty-gritty of this construction.CJ

This is an example of a grammar issue that is made difficult because frequent usage of the "a lot" construction in informal conversation makes it tricky to say what is correct based on how it "sounds." Whether the nouns are countable/uncountable or singular/plural is beside...

See, this the weird thing. While that last sentence doesn't sound right, this one does:Are these the pens you're looking for? Thanks, but no, those aren't the ones I'm looking for.

OK... Just to confirm, in this construction "do I not" and "don't I" are correct. "do not I" is wrong. Avangi, what's wrong with "Every day, I do not receive a compliment"? I believe you're saying compliment must be plural.

If a student is behind his/her/their class, he/she/he or she/they will normally do bad in the exams. If a student is behind his/her class, he/she will normally do badly in the exams. If a student is behind his or her class, he or she will normally do badly in the exams. If a student is behind...

Sitting at my writing desk beside the open window, and working on my English assignment, I was stunned/amazed by the soft evening glow, gently landing on my blank sheet and covering the white space with their yellow and orange shades, seemed like gold. A few comments: 1. "Stunned"...