0
Aramahosi Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

When to state a property

This question is about grammatical number & article. When I state something's property,I have the following four choices and can't decide.

1)A cow ruminates. - indefinite article x singular

2)Cows ruminate. - plural only

3)The cow ruminates. - definite article x singular

4)The cows ruminate. definite article x plural

Which one is correct? If the right choice isn't only one, what's the difference between them? Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

Hi, 1)A cow ruminates. - indefinite article x singular Sounds like a general statement about all cows (eg a cow ruminates, a dog doesn't). 2)Cows ruminate.

— Clive

  • Hi, 1)A cow ruminates.
  • - indefinite article x singular Sounds like a general statement about all cows (eg a cow ruminates, a dog doesn't).
  • 2)Cows ruminate.
  • - plural only Sounds like a general statement about all cows.
  • 3)The cow ruminates.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
Hi,

1)A cow ruminates. - indefinite article x singular

Sounds like a general statement about all cows (eg a cow ruminates, a dog doesn't).

2)Cows ruminate. - plural only Sounds like a general statement about all cows.

3)The cow ruminates. - definite article x singular Similar to #1.

4)The cows ruminate. definite article x plural Sounds like it refers
0
0
Thanks very much, clive. I have on more question about it. Do 1),2) and 3) have any difference of nuance? Like Sounds academic etc...
0
0
Hi,

I have on more question about it. Do 1),2) and 3) have any difference of nuance? Like Sounds academic etc...

I don't see much difference between 1 and 2.

#3 perhaps sounds more "academic".



The word 'ruminate' itself does not suggest casual speech. What I hear is 'Cows chew the cud".



Clivei
0

Related Questions