Comments on: Is “Number” Singular or Plural? http://www.dailywritingtips.com/is-number-singular-or-plural/ Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:06:58 +0000 hourly 1 By: Laurie http://www.dailywritingtips.com/is-number-singular-or-plural/comment-page-1/#comment-393692 Laurie Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:18:02 +0000 http://www.dailywritingtips.com/?p=2495#comment-393692 I believe this is a matter of American vs. British English. I agree with Cassie that it is preferable to use a singular verb with "the number" in American English. I believe this is a matter of American vs. British English. I agree with Cassie that it is preferable to use a singular verb with “the number” in American English.

]]> By: Cassie Tuttle http://www.dailywritingtips.com/is-number-singular-or-plural/comment-page-1/#comment-313695 Cassie Tuttle Sun, 05 Sep 2010 21:21:34 +0000 http://www.dailywritingtips.com/?p=2495#comment-313695 Hi Janice, Regarding "explanation of" and "explanation on." "Explanation on" is not standard usage. I have never heard "on" used with "explanation." Likewise, "explanation to" is incorrect. You can have an explanation <i>of</i> something, an explanation <i>for</i> something, and an explanation <i>about</i> something. But not "explanation on." Hope that helps. Hi Janice,

Regarding “explanation of” and “explanation on.”

“Explanation on” is not standard usage. I have never heard “on” used with “explanation.” Likewise, “explanation to” is incorrect.

You can have an explanation of something, an explanation for something, and an explanation about something.

But not “explanation on.”

Hope that helps.

]]> By: Janice Nolin http://www.dailywritingtips.com/is-number-singular-or-plural/comment-page-1/#comment-313237 Janice Nolin Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:29:15 +0000 http://www.dailywritingtips.com/?p=2495#comment-313237 I have a question concerning the use of "explanation of" versus "explanation on". I'm more accustomed to hearing "explanation of", but internet search results show that "explanation on" is sometimes used also. Is there a distinction in meaning between the two different phrases? Is there any reference source that provides guidance as to when "explanation of" should be used versus "explanation on"? I have a question concerning the use of “explanation of” versus “explanation on”. I’m more accustomed to hearing “explanation of”, but internet search results show that “explanation on” is sometimes used also. Is there a distinction in meaning between the two different phrases? Is there any reference source that provides guidance as to when “explanation of” should be used versus “explanation on”?

]]> By: hanan http://www.dailywritingtips.com/is-number-singular-or-plural/comment-page-1/#comment-279690 hanan Wed, 12 May 2010 14:10:07 +0000 http://www.dailywritingtips.com/?p=2495#comment-279690 @Steve, thank you for your answer. I appreciate it. @Steve, thank you for your answer. I appreciate it.

]]> By: Steve http://www.dailywritingtips.com/is-number-singular-or-plural/comment-page-1/#comment-279406 Steve Tue, 11 May 2010 15:04:02 +0000 http://www.dailywritingtips.com/?p=2495#comment-279406 @hanan: Yes, it is correct to say "Was it the water balloons?", because "it" refers to the cause, which is singular, and not to the plural water balloons. @hanan: Yes, it is correct to say “Was it the water balloons?”, because “it” refers to the cause, which is singular, and not to the plural water balloons.

]]>