Confusing Singular and Plural

Singular and plural

1. Distributive plural

In descriptions of repeated single events, singular and plural nouns are both possible. When no details are given plural nouns are more normal.

· I often get headaches. (NOT I often get a headache)

When details of the time or situation are given, nouns are often singular.

· I often get a headache when I have been working on the computer.

2. Miscellaneous points

Most of the uncountable nouns are singular with no plural forms. Singular verbs are used with these nouns.

· Your hair is very pretty. (NOT Your hairs are …)

· My baggage has been sent to Greece by mistake. (NOT My baggages have …)

3. Plurals with no singular forms

Some nouns are always considered plural. They cannot be singular.

· Many cattle are suffering from a disease called BSE. (NOT Much cattle is …)

· Your jeans are too tight. (NOT Your jeans is …)

· My glasses are on my nose.

In order to speak of them as singular, we use a pair of.

· The plants are in the drawer.

· A pair of pants is in drawer.

· These scissors are dull.

· This pair of scissors is dull.