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Snappy Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Distributive plural/singular
Are these sentences acceptable?
1. This machine is used to measure the thickness of steel plates.
2. This machine is used to measure the thicknesses of steel plates.
If I want to say that this machine is used to measure the thickness of each steel plate one by one and not the thickness of a number of steel plates together, which one of the above is suitable?
Similarly, can I say if a machine is used to measure the brightness of each lamp, one by one?
3. This machine is used to measure the brightness of lamps.
1. This machine is used to measure the thickness of steel plates.
2. This machine is used to measure the thicknesses of steel plates.
If I want to say that this machine is used to measure the thickness of each steel plate one by one and not the thickness of a number of steel plates together, which one of the above is suitable?
Similarly, can I say if a machine is used to measure the brightness of each lamp, one by one?
3. This machine is used to measure the brightness of lamps.
Top answer
A native speaker would find 2. unnatural. Anyone who has measured anything would assume that 1.
- A native speaker would find 2.
- unnatural.
- Anyone who has measured anything would assume that 1.
- refers to measuring the plates one-at-a-time.
- " Number three is fine.
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4 Answers
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A native speaker would find 2. unnatural. Anyone who has measured anything would assume that 1. refers to measuring the plates one-at-a-time.
If we wish to indicate measuring a pile of plates, we would say so, and would probably call it "height" rather than "thickness."
Number three is fine.
In both cases, you could optionally use the singular: the thickness of a s
If we wish to indicate measuring a pile of plates, we would say so, and would probably call it "height" rather than "thickness."
Number three is fine.
In both cases, you could optionally use the singular: the thickness of a s
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AvangiA native speaker would find 2. unnatural. Anyone who has measured anything would assume that 1. refers to measuring the plates one-at-a-time.
If we wish to indicate measuring a pile of plates, we would say so, and would probably call it "height" rather than "thickness."
Number three is fine.
In both cases, you could optionally use the sin
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A similar question hit upon me.
Usually each household appliance has its service life. Which of the following sentences is natural? Either will do?
1. We don't know the remaining service life of these household appliances.
2. We don't know the remaining service lives of these household appliances.
Thank you in advance.
Usually each household appliance has its service life. Which of the following sentences is natural? Either will do?
1. We don't know the remaining service life of these household appliances.
2. We don't know the remaining service lives of these household appliances.
Thank you in advance.
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I've been thinking about this subject lately, and feel perhaps I could use some advice from a higher source. I'm sure the plurals are correct, but the singulars are definitely more natural.
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