use of plural

[melg]

Hi all,

is the following sentence grammatically correct. In particular the use of plural in "surfaces and sides".

"the damaged specimens were retrofitted on the entire surfaces of single sides only"

The meaning of the sentence should be as follows:
"each damaged specimen was retrofitted on the entire surface of a single side"

Regards,
melg

[A.Russell]

No, it isn't correct.

I can7t think how to explain why not right now, but you can take my word for it

[melg]

thanks Russell. So how i can say it?

[grammar.gal]

"Surface" and "side" should remain singular.
"Only" does not make sense at the end of the sentence.
The word "each" is very important for the meaning of the sentence.


The sentence you provided for the intended meaning sounds much better and is in fact grammatically correct.
"Each damaged specimen was retrofitted on the entire surface of a single side."


It is best to say exactly what you mean whenever it is possible.


If you are trying to use the plural, only pluralize the subject.

For example:
"The damaged specimens were each retro-fitted on the entire surface of a single side."

[melg]

thank you grammar.gal