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Is this sentence correct? If so, what does it mean?Most guidebook history is written from the editor's perspective.

Teechr · Accepted Answer

AnonymousIs this sentence correct?

You know it is because you found it here:
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/perspective

Anonymouswhat does it mean?

The history sections/chapters found in guidebooks reflect the editor's point of view.

Anonymous · Answer

teechr AnonymousIs this sentence correct?You know it is because you found it here:http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/perspective Anonymouswhat does it mean?The history sections/chapters found in guidebooks reflect the editor's point of view.

Yes, I found it there. Thanks for your help.

I was'nt sure why it was 'guidebook history' and not 'history guidebook', but you have clarified that now.

Also, since 'most' is usually followed by a plural, why is this not the case here? Is it because of the word history that functions as a plural but takes a singular?

Thanks!

Teechr · Answer

AnonymousAlso, since 'most' is usually followed by a plural, why is this not the case here?

The word "history" is being used as a mass noun in that context.

Anonymous · Answer

teechr AnonymousAlso, since 'most' is usually followed by a plural, why is this not the case here?The word "history" is being used as a mass noun in that context.

I see. Isn't history most of the cases used as a mass noun? I rarely see histories.

Just curious, would it be possible to say "most guidebooks' history are ..."?

Teechr · Answer

AnonymousIsn't "history" mostly ~~of the cases~~ used as a mass noun?

Yes, it is.

AnonymousI rarely see "histories."

e.g.
The histories of India and China are highly complex.

Anonymous · Answer

teechrThe histories of India and China are highly complex.

Thanks a lot, teechr.

Is what I said regarding the mass noun ‘history’ generally correct?: it functions as a plural but takes a singular.

Also, would you please tell me if it is possible to say "most guidebooks' history are written from the editor’s perspective”?

Thanks!

Teechr · Answer

AnonymousIs what I said regarding the mass noun ‘history’ generally correct?: it functions as a plural but takes a singular.

In that context, it's an uncountable noun that takes a singular verb.

AnonymousAlso, would you please tell me if it is possible to say "most guidebooks' history are written from the editor’s perspective”?

No. The history does not belong to (is not about) the guidebooks, and even if it did, you would still use the singular verb because the subject is "history" not "guidebooks."

e.g. "Most of our guidebooks' paper is recycled."

Anonymous · Answer

teechr it's an uncountable noun that takes a singular verb.

Yes, But although an uncountabe noun taking a singular verb, does it (history) convey the sense of several/many “guidebooks” since the sentence starts with “most”?

teechrNo. The history does not belong to (is not about) the guidebooks, and even if it did, you would still use the singular verb because the subject is "history" not "guidebooks."

Oh I see. I now understand, as the history section in the guide book just reflects the editor’s point of view about stuff not related to the guidebooks, as you said. Have I understood correctly?

teechre.g. "Most of our guidebooks' paper is recycled."

Just to confirm, “paper” here is a mass noun as well, right?

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