0
Guest Posted 22 years ago
Grammar
Usage of dozen
When using "dozen" is it followed by "is" or "are?"
For example: A dozen is/are $50.00.
A dozen roses is/are $50.00.
Dozens of roses is/are $50.00 each.
Is there any particular rule for this?
A question like one of the above ruined my year long perfect English test average.
Thank you
Frustrated JHS student in Taiwan
For example: A dozen is/are $50.00.
A dozen roses is/are $50.00.
Dozens of roses is/are $50.00 each.
Is there any particular rule for this?
A question like one of the above ruined my year long perfect English test average.
Thank you
Frustrated JHS student in Taiwan
Top answer
When using "a dozen" or "one dozen", it is followed by "is". The "dozen" is the subject. Q: How much are the roses?
- When using "a dozen" or "one dozen", it is followed by "is".
- The "dozen" is the subject.
- Q: How much are the roses?
- A: A dozen is $50.
- Q: How much do you charge?
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
5 Answers
0
When using "a dozen" or "one dozen", it is followed by "is". The "dozen" is the subject.
Q: How much are the roses?
A: A dozen is $50.
Q: How much do you charge?
A: A dozen roses is $50.
Similarly, "dozens" is plural, and is never preceded by a number. It means indefinite small numbers, ie. Dozens of angry residents complain that their expectations have not
Q: How much are the roses?
A: A dozen is $50.
Q: How much do you charge?
A: A dozen roses is $50.
Similarly, "dozens" is plural, and is never preceded by a number. It means indefinite small numbers, ie. Dozens of angry residents complain that their expectations have not
00
Odoriko
I would agree with you to say a dozen is singular. But not just dozen. I mean if you don't write [ a dozen] and simply write [ dozen] you would find hard to catagorize singular; it has twelve items or parts.
Unfortunately, I can't give you an example now. Nothing comes across my mind at the moment of writing.
I would agree with you to say a dozen is singular. But not just dozen. I mean if you don't write [ a dozen] and simply write [ dozen] you would find hard to catagorize singular; it has twelve items or parts.
Unfortunately, I can't give you an example now. Nothing comes across my mind at the moment of writing.
00
You would treat it as a normal singular noun that usually has an article with it: "a/the dozen". It also has a plural form "dozens".
If you have "a dozen" then you refer to an amount that includes 12 items - dozen here is regarded to be a -> single group, therefore it's used in singular.
If you now have several "dozens", then you have to use plural, which shows you that the
If you have "a dozen" then you refer to an amount that includes 12 items - dozen here is regarded to be a -> single group, therefore it's used in singular.
If you now have several "dozens", then you have to use plural, which shows you that the
00
What I meant was that "dozens", the plural form, does not have a numeral in front of it. The singular one does need a/the though. Sorry if I wasn't very clear.
00
Oh, I see - but you can use the plural form with a numeral, e.g.:
"2, 3, 4 dozens of eggs".
"2, 3, 4 dozens of eggs".
0
Related Questions