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Infinik Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
When is the plural form of a unit used?
Hi there, got his very simple question (not one I can answer though...)
When is the plural form of a unit used?
For any amount less than unity, is it proper to give them plurality? (am I missing some linguistic reasoning here)
For example, is the following usage of the units correct (singular or plural)?
It weighs 0.5 tons.
Add 0.5 grams of salt.
How about "half a ton"?
It weighs half a ton. (which means 0.5 ton(s)!?)
When is the plural form of a unit used?
For any amount less than unity, is it proper to give them plurality? (am I missing some linguistic reasoning here)
For example, is the following usage of the units correct (singular or plural)?
It weighs 0.5 tons.
Add 0.5 grams of salt.
How about "half a ton"?
It weighs half a ton. (which means 0.5 ton(s)!?)
Top answer
75 of a ton. 75 tons.
- 75 of a ton.
- 75 tons.
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1 Answers
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Swan says:
"With fractions below 1, we normally use 'of a' + singular noun, and the same is true of decimals below 1: three quarters of a ton; 0.75 of a ton.
However, decimals below 1 can also be followed directly by a plural noun: 0.75 tons.
"With fractions below 1, we normally use 'of a' + singular noun, and the same is true of decimals below 1: three quarters of a ton; 0.75 of a ton.
However, decimals below 1 can also be followed directly by a plural noun: 0.75 tons.
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