Sow the seeds of sth

Question

Hello, it is my first time that I have visited this forum.

I am not an English native, but I write English story books.

I like to use a lot of metaphors in my writing.

I have used this metaphors a great/good deal: sow the seeds of sth.

The seeds mean the beginning of sth. I wonder why the plural is used with this sense.

Will you feel difficult to answer if given such a question? Thank you.

Englishmaven · Accepted Answer

Hi. I would love to help you, but I don't know what sth is. I looked it up, and I am not sure what the reference is in your question. Maybe you can ask again in different words.

LouiseT · Answer

Hello and welcome to the forum [<:o)]

Try not to use abbreviations as they may not always be understood.

"To sow the seeds of something"

I have heard this used in the singular but not as often as in the plural. I tried to find the origin but had no luck. Maybe someone else will have an idea.

Dimsumexpress · Answer

AnonymousThe seeds mean the beginning of sth. I wonder why the plural is used with this sense.

To sow ( such as lawn seeds) is to scatter them over an area of loosened earth for them to grow. Logically, we don't scatter one seed. So it only makes sense in plural.

LouiseT · Answer

You can also sow seeds in pots one at a time. I do it every year for my tomato plants.

I have heard the expression use as singular for example :- "With that one act he sowed the seed of doubt and now I cannot trust him".

Dimsumexpress · Answer

May be it's me. But if I am working with one seed in a small pot, I will call that "planting a seed...", instead of sowing.

Sow the seeds of sth

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