Words that are both singular and plural

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May 02, 2019, 06:47 PM

henryaz

Words that are both singular and plural

cannon

rendezvous

In past years, sash was both, but I've heard sashes creeping into usage.

When in doubt, mumble

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May 03, 2019, 01:31 AM

motor59

Elk.
Caribou.
Aircraft.
Cod.
Trout.
Salmon.
Equipment.

...to name a few.

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The definition of the words we used, carry a meaning of their own...

May 03, 2019, 12:49 PM

Loswsmith

quote:
Originally posted by henryaz:

cannon.

That's cool. I have always seen "cannons" but remembered (and looked up) that cannon was allowed as a plural as well. It brought me back to my "Master and Commander" reading days. Good times.

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May 03, 2019, 05:55 PM

henryarnaud

quote:
Originally posted by sigfreund:
The singular of dice is die.

The singular of "data" is "datum."

"It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts." Sherlock Holmes

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May 04, 2019, 03:54 PM

dsiets

quote:
Originally posted by Il Cattivo:
Beer. "Beers" is a verb used by frat rats.

Beer has units.
Dr: You may have up to two beers a day.
Cop: How many beers have you had?

May 04, 2019, 07:43 PM

henryaz

quote:
Originally posted by dsiets:
Cop: How many beers have you had?

The answer is universally "two".

When in doubt, mumble

May 04, 2019, 10:11 PM

Il Cattivo

Which just goes to show that cops can spot drunks.

May 05, 2019, 02:17 AM

kkina

quote:
Originally posted by Orguss:
Ninja

Correct. Most nouns in Japanese have no plural form. You have to discern from context if the speaker means singular or plural.

A few words can be pluralized by adding the special suffix -tachi.

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