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Reegis Posted 5 years ago
Grammar

First impression(s) is/are the most important.

Hello.

I would like to convey the following general statement and am wondering whether I should use the singular or plural form.

a) First impressions are the most important.
b) A first impression is the most important.
c) The first impression is the most important.

Which one sounds the most natural?

I don't fully agree with the meaning, so let's put this aspect aside:) This is just an example.

  

Top answer

Reegis I don't fully agree with the meaning, so let's put this aspect aside That can't be done. Grammar is nothing without meaning, and besides, English grammar is purely descriptive. The correct form can only be chosen by ear.

— Anonymous

  • Reegis I don't fully agree with the meaning, so let's put this aspect aside That can't be done.
  • Grammar is nothing without meaning, and besides, English grammar is purely descriptive.
  • The correct form can only be chosen by ear.
  • Context matters, too.
  • To my ear, the first one is natural if it is an aphorism, probably what you want.
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2 Answers
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ReegisI don't fully agree with the meaning, so let's put this aspect aside

That can't be done. Grammar is nothing without meaning, and besides, English grammar is purely descriptive. The correct form can only be chosen by ear. Context matters, too.

To my ear, the first one is natural if it is an aphorism, probably what you want. In the second, "a" and

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ReegisWhich one sounds the most natural?

I'll join the poll.

I'd choose a) as the most natural.

I was wavering between a) and c).

CJ

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