turn their head or headS

[Balkenende]

People!

In Dutch we would say: The two men turn their head.
As we all have only one head to turn.

Is this different in English, for I often see: The two men turn their heads.


Joost.

[SoothingDave]

Yes, turn their heads. We understand implicitly that each man has one head apiece.

[5jj]

When a teacher says to his pupils, "Put your hands up when you have something to say", it is understood that they are being told to raise one hand each.

[Balkenende]

But are there any rules for/against using 'head', singular?

In other words, is 'they turn their head' wrong?

[bhaisahab]

But are there any rules for/against using 'head', singular?

In other words, is 'they turn their head' wrong?

Yes, it's wrong. Unless they are a couple of sculptors, for instance, who have collaborated on sculpting a head and have decided to turn it for some reason.

[TheParser]

People!

In Dutch we would say: The two men turn their head.
As we all have only one head to turn.

Is this different in English, for I often see: The two men turn their heads.


Joost.

***** NOT A TEACHER *****


Joost,


If you type "distributive plurals" in the search box at this website,

you will find some very helpful articles.


***** NOT A TEACHER *****