Dozens or A dozens

Question

Hi,Would you please tell me which one is correct?A dozens of chairs are places outside, in the waiting room.Dozens of chairs are places outside, in the waiting room.What about similar quantifiers? Like "pair", "couple", "number"?A pairs of socks [plural verb]...Pairs of socks [plural verb]...A couple of seats [plural verb]...Couples of seats [plural verb]...A number of books [plural verb]...Numbers of books [plural verb]...Thanks

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Dozens of chairs are placed outside in the waiting room.
Pairs of socks are.. (= even numbers of individual socks > 2)
A couple of seats are.. (= 2 or 3 seats)
A number of books are...
Numbers of books are...

I find the other constructions impossible.

Paeez · Answer

Thank you a lot Mister Micawber,

I know that we can either say "Two pair of socks" or "Two pairs of socks", but what about "couple" or "dozen"?
I don't know any similar quantifiers, but if you know, I would appreciate it if you could teach me.

And,

Dozens of chairs are placed outside in the waiting room.

I meant that, I don't know why recently I am making such mistakes! But only in writing, not in speaking!

Thanks

Mister Micawber · Answer

PaeezI know that we can either say "Two pair of socks" or "Two pairs of socks", but what about "couple" or "dozen"?

No, that quirk does not extend to similar quantifiers that I know of offhand; I think it is a matter of idiomatic plurals: one or two sheep, pair, species, etc.

Paeez · Answer

Thanks

Dozens or A dozens

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