In Nouns^x, Conversations^x, Plurals^x

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...

Abil, Yes, you are correct in "formal" usage. This may help clear any doubts: http://crofsblogs.typepad.com/english/2005/02/neither_or_eith.html Laura asks: How about using " neither" versus "either"? I transcribe for doctors, and this is one rule I just...

English really needs another pronoun for cases like this! Traditionally, if the gender was unknown, the masculine pronoun would be used. In a grammar book from 50 years ago, your examples would most certainly use "his." Today this would still be considered grammatically correct, but...

Clive -- I agree that "everyone" is often treated as plural in casual conversation, and I might well say "everyone does their best" myself. But technically, shouldn't it be "everyone does his job and everyone does his best ," at least in formal writing? I...

A is often used with plural nouns when there is an adjective before the noun and an amount is thought of: He spent a happy five days in Cairo. An adjective becomes a plural noun when the is placed before it: The illiterate can't read. (= Illiterate people can't read.) The rich like money....

CalifJim wrote: For example, in ordinary conversation, I tend to treat "none of" as number transparent, but this is a big no-no for most (prescriptive) grammarians. So do I. If I remember correctly, the OED traces the plural usage back to OE. So we're not alone. MrP

Arggghhh! I've created a monster! This is a box of tools that was left here by American soldiers. (the box was left) This is a box of tools that were left here by American soldiers. (the tools were left) Exactly! This has nothing to do with number transparency. You know, I don't...

The other way out is to use "or." When you have nouns linked by an "or," you use a verb that agrees with the last one listed. I thought about that after I logged out last night. The picking or collection of plants is prohibited . (As an aside to the anonymous poster, you'll see that we had...

No, it isn't literary. One can use it in conversation, IMO. -- small hours Function: noun plural : hours of the early morning immediately following midnight -- used with the http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com --

Anonymous wrote: Hyphens can be tricky. I hope the following helps... Hyphenated nouns -- In the case of nouns formed from two or more words joined by hyphens, usually only the last word forms a plural. However, there are a few cases in which only the first word forms a plural. For...