chirping sound

Question

Do you hear [the chirping sound of a bird/the chirping sounds of birds/the chirping sound of birds]?Which is correct? What's the difference really?Thanks

RayH · Accepted Answer

Do you hear
[the chirping sound of a bird
the chirping sounds of birds
the chirping sound of birds]?

Why not just say "Do you hear the bird(s) chirping?"

New2grammar · Answer

My intention was to learn the construction differences. Maybe I gave a poor example which doesn't go well with any of them

How about "Is that
[the chirping sound of a bird
the chirping sounds of birds
the chirping sound of birds]?

RayH · Answer

New2grammarMy intention was to learn the construction differences. Maybe I gave a poor example which doesn't go well with any of them
How about "Is that
[the chirping sound of a bird
the chirping sounds of birds
the chirping sound of birds]?

It seems that you are unnecessarily complicating a fairly simple question. Why not just say "Is that a bird I hear chirping?" or "Are those birds I hear chirping?"
Adding "sound" here seems unnecessary since "chirping" is a sound.

You could say
"Is that the chirping of a bird?" or
"Is that the chirping of birds?"
but I don't think you will encounter these formulations much, if at all, in everyday speech.

CalifJim · Answer

New2grammarWhat's the difference really?

Normally, you use all singulars or all plurals, but mixed number is also very common. You can analyze the combinations and permutations to death:
one sound - one bird
one sound - many birds
many sounds - one bird
many sounds - many birds
But unless these distinctions are very important to your message, they all come out seeming the same in meaning and you can choose whichever seems right to your ear.
CJ

New2grammar · Answer

I understand that it may not be of much use in everyday speech. Sometimes, I deal with sounds so it really helps if I know how to use them correctly.

Let's say I'm an audio mixer in a studio and I'm introducing pre-recorded sounds to some visitors.
"We have the tapping sound, laughter, different noises, different types of chirping sounds like the chirping sound of birds, insects, etc"

I believe plural or singular is just a matter of how many birds there are. So let's forget about it.
If there are many birds, should I say sound or sounds? My guess is if there are different kinds/species of birds in the recording, the plural sounds is better. If there's just one type, either is fine.

Please bear with me as I'm learning the subtle differences. Thanks in advance.

(Edit: CJ, I didn't see your message when I wrote this. I like your reply and I think there's no conflict between your answer and my understanding. Do you agree? Thanks)

chirping sound

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