Choosing wrong sentences

Question

Please check whether the following sentences or not.

[1] You should choose between a red cloth and a black cloth.
[2] You should choose between a red and a black cloth.
[3] You should choose between a red cloth and black cloth.
[4] You should choose between red cloth and black cloth.

I think only [4] is incorrect. Am I right?

Thank you in advance for your teaching.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Son JamesI think only [4] is incorrect. Am I right?

#4 is also correct if you wish to speak of fabric rather than an article made of fabric.

Fivejedjon · Answer

Only [3] is dubious, in my opinion.  The first two  are about a cloth, as in a duster or dish cloth; the last one is about cloth as material, i.e., for making clothing.

Son James · Answer

Ah! Fabric! Thank you for your answer,Mr.Micawber<img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/10.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/10.gif' alt='Emotion: embarrassed'/>

Son James · Answer

I could understand why you felt [3] dubious. Thank you for your teaching,Fivejedjon.

Canadian45 · Answer

1] You should choose between a red cloth and a black cloth. Grammaically, this is suitable for a small (piece of ) cloth, such as a face cloth or a dish cloth. But I have never seen a black face cloth or dish cloth. 1] can also be used to mean 4].
[2] You should choose between a red and a black cloths.
[3] You should choose between a red cloth and black cloth. Use 1].
[4] You should choose between red cloth and black cloth. This is suitable a large piece of cloth that you are going to make into a piece of clothing.

This situation is a bit of a mess, due to the two meanings of "cloth".

Son James · Answer

Thank you for your teaching,Canadian45

Choosing wrong sentences

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