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Tamguatlay Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Is the underlined parts OK?

I was told that if the motor part/s were out of order, I would have to pay $60 for the transport charges.

Is the underlined parts OK?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Assuming that "part/s" means "part or parts", "part/s were" is correct. However, the rest of the sentence sounds as if the part or parts being referred to are specifically known, so consider whether this ambiguity is fitting. "out of order" is wrong (or is a use of that expression that I have never heard).

— GPY

  • Assuming that "part/s" means "part or parts", "part/s were" is correct.
  • However, the rest of the sentence sounds as if the part or parts being referred to are specifically known, so consider whether this ambiguity is fitting.
  • "out of order" is wrong (or is a use of that expression that I have never heard).
  • Do you mean "not in stock"?
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3 Answers
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Assuming that "part/s" means "part or parts", "part/s were" is correct. However, the rest of the sentence sounds as if the part or parts being referred to are specifically known, so consider whether this ambiguity is fitting.

"out of order" is wrong (or is a use of that expression that I have never heard). Do you mean "not in stock"?
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GPY was making the point that we would say the motor is out of order, i.e. not working. We would not usually describe the broken parts that caused the problem as being out of order. The sentence I was told that if the motor part was out of stock I would have to pay $60 for the transport charges sounds natural. I was told that if the motor part was out of or
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