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Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
Usage of singular and plural nouns
I am currently involved in an intense forum debate on when it is correct to use singular or plural nouns. For instance, my position is that prospective poultry farmer, should correctly say, "I intend setting up an operation to breed chicken". He/she would not use the plural "chickens". I would be most grateful if an authority on formal English Grammar could give me some expert advice as to the precise rules with respect to my example. Many thanks in advance.
Top answer
When you speak of living creatures, use the plural. eg There are chickens in my garden. When you speak of creatures as food, use the singular (non-count) form.
- When you speak of living creatures, use the plural.
- eg There are chickens in my garden.
- When you speak of creatures as food, use the singular (non-count) form.
- eg I like to eat chicken.
- We breed creatures.
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2 Answers
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When you speak of living creatures, use the plural.
eg There are chickens in my garden.
When you speak of creatures as food, use the singular (non-count) form.
eg I like to eat chicken.
eg There are chickens in my garden.
When you speak of creatures as food, use the singular (non-count) form.
eg I like to eat chicken.
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CliveWhen you speak of living creatures, use the plural. eg There are chickens in my garden.An exception to this is wild animals considered as game: The mountains are full of bear [not bears]. Geoffrey likes hunting lion. Barnyard chickens are not wild, so you can't breed chicken, but you can stock your preserve with prairie chicken.
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