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Enchanted Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Man or men, beast or beasts

hello:
He is not interested in man, beast or weed, unless it tied to him in some way....

Here, man instead of men used. I wonder what different it is when you use man instead of men, beast instead of beasts.

thanks,
ench.
  

Top answer

"man" and "beast" feel more abstract -- suggesting the human race and the rest of the animal kingdom, rather than actual people and animals. "beast" (especially) can only be used in this way in certain constructions. Similarly, "weed" suggests the vegetable kingdom.

— Mr Wordy

  • "man" and "beast" feel more abstract -- suggesting the human race and the rest of the animal kingdom, rather than actual people and animals.
  • "beast" (especially) can only be used in this way in certain constructions.
  • Similarly, "weed" suggests the vegetable kingdom.
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1 Answers
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"man" and "beast" feel more abstract -- suggesting the human race and the rest of the animal kingdom, rather than actual people and animals. "beast" (especially) can only be used in this way in certain constructions.

Similarly, "weed" suggests the vegetable kingdom.
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