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Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
Proper form of word
Hi,
I have a 4th grade exercise which there is a dispute over the use of either "cost" or "costs." Here is the question:
"Mark bought 3 books, and Geraldo
bought 12 books. If each book {cost / costs}
$5, how much did the 2 boys spend
in all?"
The editor maintains "costs" is correct because of the plural nature it is referencing. I maintain "cost" is correct because the past tense was established in the first sentence. If the second sentence were stand-alone, then I understand that "each costs" would be correct. But, since it happened in the past, it should be singular.
I'm mostly curious and would like an opinion so that I can be correct in the future. Thanks for any guidance.
I have a 4th grade exercise which there is a dispute over the use of either "cost" or "costs." Here is the question:
"Mark bought 3 books, and Geraldo
bought 12 books. If each book {cost / costs}
$5, how much did the 2 boys spend
in all?"
The editor maintains "costs" is correct because of the plural nature it is referencing. I maintain "cost" is correct because the past tense was established in the first sentence. If the second sentence were stand-alone, then I understand that "each costs" would be correct. But, since it happened in the past, it should be singular.
I'm mostly curious and would like an opinion so that I can be correct in the future. Thanks for any guidance.
Top answer
). If the books had a price of $5 when they were purchased, and we don't know the present price, then the past tense can be argued. " That casts it directly in the past.
- ).
- If the books had a price of $5 when they were purchased, and we don't know the present price, then the past tense can be argued.
- " That casts it directly in the past.
- If that is not a choice, I would put it in the past.
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2 Answers
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There are arguments for either one The books might have a fixed price of $5 (in the present past and future), so a "universal truth" could be argued (present tense.). If the books had a price of $5 when they were purchased, and we don't know the present price, then the past tense can be argued.
To clear all the confusion, I would write "If the books had cost $5 each,..." That casts it d
To clear all the confusion, I would write "If the books had cost $5 each,..." That casts it d
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Thank you for your quick reply. I've received similar answers from other teacher friends. It wasn't as black & white as I had expected, and open to some interpretation depending on people's prior experiences.
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