0
Believer Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

one sheet or many sheets

I was wondering if the sentence below is indicating the fact that (just) one sheet is given to the group as a whole or one sheet is given to each person?

They were given a sheet to fill out.

Also, as far as I know, the word "one" can serve as a determiner but can we use another determiner "a" along with the "one" like "a one sheet"?
  

Top answer

The sentence is ambiguous. It can be used in the case where all were given one sheet and also in the case where each was given his own sheet. To make this unambiguous with the second meaning, use "each": They were each given a sheet to fill out.

  • The sentence is ambiguous.
  • It can be used in the case where all were given one sheet and also in the case where each was given his own sheet.
  • To make this unambiguous with the second meaning, use "each": They were each given a sheet to fill out.
  • CJ
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
The sentence is ambiguous. It can be used in the case where all were given one sheet and also in the case where each was given his own sheet.

To make this unambiguous with the second meaning, use "each":

They were each given a sheet to fill out.

CJ

Related Questions