With which words are collective numerals used: girls, dogs? - briefly
Collective numerals in English are typically used with words that denote groups or collections of items or beings. These numerals are often paired with nouns that can be counted in groups, such as "girls" and "dogs."
Collective numerals include terms like "both," "few," "several," and "many." For instance, one might say "both girls" or "several dogs." These numerals help to quantify the number of items or beings in a collective sense, rather than individually.
With which words are collective numerals used: girls, dogs? - in detail
Collective numerals, also known as collective numbers, are used to denote a group or collection of items, people, or animals. These numerals are typically used with specific words to indicate a quantity of items or beings considered as a single unit. Understanding the appropriate usage of collective numerals with words like "girls" and "dogs" is essential for clear and accurate communication.
Collective numerals are often used with words that represent groups of people or animals. For "girls," collective numerals can be applied to indicate a specific number of girls considered as a single unit. For example, "a dozen girls" refers to twelve girls collectively. Similarly, "a pair of girls" indicates two girls together. These phrases are commonly used in everyday language to describe groups of people in a concise manner.
When it comes to "dogs," collective numerals are also frequently employed. Phrases such as "a pack of dogs" are used to describe a group of dogs, typically referring to a hunting or working group. "A litter of puppies" is another example, specifically referring to a group of puppies born to the same mother. These terms are not only descriptive but also convey a sense of unity or shared purpose among the group members.
It is important to note that the choice of collective numeral can vary based on cultural and regional differences. For instance, while "a pack of dogs" is widely understood, other terms like "a herd of dogs" might be less common or specific to certain regions. Similarly, "a troop of girls" might be used in a scouting or military setting to describe a group of girls organized for a specific purpose.
In summary, collective numerals are used with words like "girls" and "dogs" to denote groups of individuals considered as a single unit. These phrases are integral to clear communication and can vary based on cultural and regional nuances. Understanding and correctly applying these terms ensures precise and effective communication.