With what words are collective numerals used: girls, dogs, house, pupils, hammer? - briefly
Collective numerals in English are typically used with words that denote groups or collections of items or individuals. These numerals, such as "both," "several," "few," "many," and "several," are appropriately paired with countable nouns that can be quantified in terms of number.
Girls, dogs, and pupils are countable nouns that can be used with collective numerals. For instance, one might say "several girls," "many dogs," or "few pupils." Conversely, "house" and "hammer" are generally not used with collective numerals because they are typically singular and uncountable in the sense of being individual items rather than groups.
With what words are collective numerals used: girls, dogs, house, pupils, hammer? - in detail
Collective numerals in English are used to denote a specific quantity of items or individuals grouped together. The choice of words to accompany these numerals depends on the nature of the items being counted. Here is a detailed examination of how collective numerals are used with the words "girls," "dogs," "house," "pupils," and "hammer."
Girls, being plural and referring to a group of female individuals, typically use collective numerals such as "both," "several," "many," "a few," and "all." For example, one might say, "Both girls are playing in the park," or "Several girls are participating in the dance competition." These numerals help to quantify the number of girls in a group without specifying an exact count.
Dogs, similar to girls, are plural and refer to a group of canine animals. Collective numerals for dogs include "both," "several," "many," "a few," and "all." For instance, "Both dogs are sleeping on the couch," or "Several dogs are barking loudly." These numerals provide a general sense of the number of dogs present without providing a precise figure.
The word "house" is singular and refers to a single dwelling. Collective numerals are not typically used with "house" because it does not inherently denote a group. Instead, one would use specific numbers or other quantifiers. For example, "There are three houses on the street," or "All the houses in the neighborhood have gardens." However, if referring to multiple houses collectively, one might use "houses" and then apply collective numerals, such as "Several houses were damaged in the storm."
Pupils, like girls and dogs, are plural and refer to a group of students. Collective numerals for pupils include "both," "several," "many," "a few," and "all." For example, "Both pupils excelled in the math test," or "Several pupils volunteered for the community service project." These numerals help to describe the number of pupils in a group without specifying an exact number.
The word "hammer" is singular and refers to a single tool. Collective numerals are not typically used with "hammer" because it does not denote a group. Instead, one would use specific numbers or other quantifiers. For example, "There are five hammers in the toolbox," or "All the hammers are accounted for." However, if referring to multiple hammers collectively, one might use "hammers" and then apply collective numerals, such as "Several hammers were missing from the construction site."
In summary, collective numerals are used with plural words like "girls," "dogs," and "pupils" to describe groups of individuals or items without specifying an exact count. For singular words like "house" and "hammer," specific numbers or other quantifiers are used to indicate quantity. Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurate and effective communication in English.