Singular characteristic to describe a list of items

Question

Here's the question: The materials for the boxes, pallets, and crates are ready. The material for the boxes, pallets, and crates is ready.

Should "material" be plural or singular? I'm writing a paper that's supposed to follow APA guidelines, if that helps. Other reference guides' perspectives on this wouldn't hurt to know, though.

Thank you!

zoig · Answer

It depends whether one or more materials are used.
If it is just one, like, everything is made of paper / wood, whatever, it would be material.
If two or more materials are used (i.e. wood and nails, wood and glue, paper and glue) go for the plural.

Singular characteristic to describe a list of items

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