Singular and plural 5

This category refers to problems with number – especially to instances in which “s” has either been omitted or should be added to a word.

** THERE ARE TWO MAIN TYPES OF NUMBER PROBLEMS:

1. A NOUN IS SINGULAR AND SHOULD BE PLURAL.

Ex. At time, (A) a prime minister can bring a country (B) together and lead (C) it in a new direction. (D)

In this example, A is incorrect, “time” should be “times”.

2. A NOUN IS PLURAL AND SHOULD BE SINGULAR.

Ex. Before running a marathon, (A) a runner (B) must be sure that there is a steady supply of waters (C) on hand. (D)

In this example, D is incorrect, “waters” should be “water”.

Ex. That human beings (A) need oxygens (B) in order to survive is a self-evident (C) fact (D).

In this example, B is incorrect, “oxygens” should be “oxygen”

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