COLLECTIVE NOUNS
MISUSE OF PLURAL
A collective noun is one in which the singular refers to a set of objects. It can have both singular and plural form: but the plural means several sets of objects. Confusion here often causes the plural to be misused.
1. Army. Wrong: The king sent his armies to besiege the city.
Correct: The king sent his army or soldiers or troops to besiege the city. Normally, a king would have only one army under his command. The plural-ies would be used if the army of one power is facing the army of another power.
2. Bear. Wrong: He shaved off his beards.
Correct: He shaved off his beard. One person can only have one beard. Beards implies different people, each with a beard. For example: They were told to shave off their beards.
3. Enemy Wrong: He learned that the town had fallen to the enemies.
Correct: He learned that the town had fallen to the enemy. When enemy means hostile armed forces, it should be used in the singular only.
4. Fleet Wrong: In December 1941 Japan attacked the American fleets at Pearl Habour. Correct: In December 1941 Japan attacked the American fleet at Pearl Habour or ships at Pearl Habour.
5.Grass Wrong: Abdullah told the principal that all the grasses had been cut.
Correct: Abdullah told the principal that all the grass had been cut. Grasses can only be correct when trying to distinguish between different types of grasses. Issue,
Offspring Wrong: They have been married for three years but have no issues or offsprings.
Correct: They have been married for three years but have no issue or offspring or children. Offspring is uncountable issue meaning children have no plural form; but issue topic for debate has both singular and plural form. E.g. Several important issues were raised at the meeting.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited