Grammar Project Manila
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Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Grammar Check: "Do You Have A Scissor?"


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.

W
hen 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!

3 comments:

  1. I couldn't help but notice the irony upon seeing your facebook ad.

    Did you deliberately write "whose" instead of "who's"?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yup, along with two other purposeful "erors" in the ad :) Cheers.

    ReplyDelete
  3. @Anonymous: I read that ad too. Anybody smart enough would've figured that out.

    ReplyDelete

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