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TeacherJapan Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

The choice of the plural of the singular.

One thing good about reading is that you can talk about (1)a book/books you've read.
It is pleasant to talk about your impressions of (2) a book/books with people who've also read them. You can even make friends with (3) a total stranger/total strangers simply because you both read (4) the same book/the same books.

In this general statement, how do you usually decide which pattern to choose? Shoud I stick to the singular or the plural?
  

Top answer

Both sets of examples are good and sound very natural. It is generally more common to see and hear the plural form, not that it is better. I think the plural is used more frequently in general statements.

— Englishmaven

  • Both sets of examples are good and sound very natural.
  • It is generally more common to see and hear the plural form, not that it is better.
  • I think the plural is used more frequently in general statements.
  • That is just my opinion.
  • I would be surprised to find out that any research has been done that supports a more frequent use of one over the other.
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3 Answers
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Both sets of examples are good and sound very natural. It is generally more common to see and hear the plural form, not that it is better. I think the plural is used more frequently in general statements. That is just my opinion. I would be surprised to find out that any research has been done that supports a more frequent use of one over the other.
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Thank you very much:-). Once I choose "a book" for (1), is it better to stick to the singular all the way, and vice versa?
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teacherJapanOne thing good about reading is that you can talk about (1)a book/books you've read.
teacherJapanOne thing good about reading is that you can talk about (1)a book/books you've read.
See this:
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