0
Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

singular vs plural question

Can someone clarify the plural vs singular issue in the following sentence.

> Lisa understood the differences between the numerical and the artistic approach of writing.

Should approach be plural because we have two approaches, numerical and artistic?
  

Top answer

Anonymous Should approach be plural because we have two approaches, numerical and artistic? No; there could be no difference(s) at all if there were just one approach. Use the singular if they differ in only one factor or aspect; use the plural if they differ in more than one factor or aspect.

— Mister Micawber

  • Anonymous Should approach be plural because we have two approaches, numerical and artistic?
  • No; there could be no difference(s) at all if there were just one approach.
  • Use the singular if they differ in only one factor or aspect; use the plural if they differ in more than one factor or aspect.
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.

4 Answers
0
AnonymousShould approach be plural because we have two approaches, numerical and artistic?
No; there could be no difference(s) at all if there were just one approach.
Use the singular if they differ in only one factor or aspect; use the plural if they differ in more than one factor or aspect.
0
0
I think the question is about whether "approach" should be plural or singular. Whether there are many differences or one has no bearing on it.
0
0
mister,

did you mean to say yes instead of no. can you explain what difference(s) have to do with "approach" being singular or plural?
0
0
Approach can be singular or plural:

Lisa understood the differences between the numerical approach and the artistic approach of writing.
Lisa understood the differences between the numerical approaches and the artistic approaches of writing.

The first occurrence of approach (singular or plural) can be omitted.
0

Related Questions