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Contraposition Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Plural or singluar?

Which is right?

'I haven't got a pencil'
'I haven't got pencils.'
  

Top answer

Both. I haven't got a pencil - The listener thinks I have/might have a pencil. I haven't got pencils - pencils are needed and the listener thinks you have them (ie.

— Dave Phillips

  • Both.
  • I haven't got a pencil - The listener thinks I have/might have a pencil.
  • I haven't got pencils - pencils are needed and the listener thinks you have them (ie.
  • you are in charge of an exam, the candidates might need pencils to write with and you don't have any).
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3 Answers
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Both. I haven't got a pencil - The listener thinks I have/might have a pencil. I haven't got pencils - pencils are needed and the listener thinks you have them (ie. you are in charge of an exam, the candidates might need pencils to write with and you don't have any).
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Depends on how many pencils you should have!
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Yes. Have you got a pencil? Have you got any pencils?
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