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Many times, I encounter people who ask: "Do you have a scissor?"
Although it refers to borrowing one thing, it is wise to remember that it should always be said in the plural: scissors.
When this noun is used on its own within a statement, it uses the plural verb "are". Thus said, it means the article "a" is not required:
My scissors are in the red box. (one item)
However, when it is said in a way that you can count the items, it receives a "noun phrase" or "measure word", such as "a pair of":
I bought two pairs of scissors from the supplies section. (more than one item)
The measure word can also be used to refer to specifically one unit and a singular verb "is":
There is a pair of scissors somewhere on the desk. (one item)
To ask, "Do you have a scissor?" is just as awkward as saying, "Do you have a jean?".
I guess the best rule is to always use the word in the plural form and let it function as a plural noun.
Cheers!
I couldn't help but notice the irony upon seeing your facebook ad.
ReplyDeleteDid you deliberately write "whose" instead of "who's"?
Yup, along with two other purposeful "erors" in the ad :) Cheers.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous: I read that ad too. Anybody smart enough would've figured that out.
ReplyDelete