English Language & Usage Asked on November 29, 2020
Is this the correct way to write the following sentences?
Or should we use the plural form of the word "comment" and "thought" while writing such sentences. For example,
In all cases I am going to write only a single paragraph of comment on the book. Does that count as a single comment or comments?
According to the usual rule a plural is used for the verb if the subject is plural; this is so in formal writing (basic rule); however, in the spoken language it is different: particular cases.
What is also needed in your formulation is italics for the title (ref.).
In the first sentence, if a simple comment is what has been asked then a singular should be used. If a lengthier piece of writing has been required of you, a plural is better.
In the second sentence, a singular would be something exceptional; given the rare possibility that a teacher asked you to mention in a short exercise a thought about a book, then the singular is proper. If the exercise has to do with developing on a single thought of yours, then this developing will consist of a succession of thoughts and in this case neither the singular nor the plural would be a wise choice, a change of term being the best you might do (Here are my idea on… (for instance)), but then the matter is not a whole book; so you are not concerned by that. If what has been asked is your thoughts, then, evidently you should use a plural (Here are my thoughts…).
The choice depends on the complexity of what you write and on the length you intend to give to your paragraph; you do not have to treat only one idea or thought in a given paragraph. You more or less must treat a short subject, involving possibly several connected ideas or thoughts.
Answered by LPH on November 29, 2020
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