Singular and plural ... again!

[Nordic Bill]

Just wanted to toss this one to the forum since the feedback on my other singular/plural issue was so helpful.

Based on that feedback, I am assuming that the sentence(s):

"I tried my powers of persuasion on her but it didn’t work!"
"I tried my powers of persuasion on her but they didn’t work!"

... are both correct, depending on whether focus is placed on what was tried (ie. singular) or the plural form powers.

Rgs,
Bill

[Teia]

Originally Posted by Nordic Bill

Just wanted to toss this one to the forum since the feedback on my other singular/plural issue was so helpful.
Based on that feedback, I am assuming that the sentence(s):
"I tried my powers of persuasion on her but it didn’t work!"
"I tried my powers of persuasion on her but they didn’t work!"
... are both correct, depending on whether focus is placed on what was tried (ie. singular) or the plural form powers.
Rgs,
Bill

In my opinion the first sentence sounds better
I tried my powers of persuasion but it did not work [ refers to the action stated by the verb :I was not able to persuade her]

the second sentence: "I tried my powers of persuasion but they didn`t work " is not so good as
" I tried my persuasion powers but they didn`t work"
or even better: " I tried to persuade her but it didn`t work."

This last sentence is best of all, in my opinion.


Regards,

[Nordic Bill]

Hi Teia,

Yes, the last sentence is very correct, but a tad too simplified. The expression "powers of persuasion" is a good one and I'd like to leave it in.

You're right about the singular use of "it", though. It does sound better.

Thanks,
Bill

[tom slocombe]

They are both ok

1 "it" refers back to the whole sentence --- "I tried my powers of persuasion on her " ( this strategy didn`t work )


2 "they " refers back to ------ "my powers of persuasion"
(my powers of persuasion didn`t work)

[Nordic Bill]

Thanks, Tom. Glad for the confirmation on that one.

Rgs,
Bill

[Teia]

Originally Posted by tom slocombe

They are both ok
1 "it" refers back to the whole sentence --- "I tried my powers of persuasion on her " ( this strategy didn`t work )
2 "they " refers back to ------ "my powers of persuasion"
(my powers of persuasion didn`t work)

Thank you for clarifying that ,Tom.


All the best

[Nordic Bill]

Thanks so much for the birthday wishes, Teia. And yes - you are the first!

Glad to hear something positive about Leos. I have never placed much faith in astrology, especially since most people wince whenever they ask me when I was born ... no matter how much I try to assure them I am really a nice guy!

My mom and I actually share the same birthday, so I will be heading over to England next weekend to celebrate with her.

By the way, I think it's incredibly cool that you reside in Romania. When I was in high school, I actually wanted to learn the language and went out and bought a copy of "Teach Yourself Romanian". I still have it, too. I got through the first two chapters - crammed lots of vocab - but I personally found it impossible to 'teach myself' a foreign language. There weren't even any tapes, so I relied completely on phonetics. Which means if I ever went to Romania, no one would have had a clue as to what I was trying to say! Still, it was an exciting project while it lasted.

Take care,
Bill

[dihen]

Originally Posted by Nordic Bill

The expression "powers of persuasion" is a good one and I'd like to leave it in.

So "persuasion powers" isn't as good?

[DavyBCN]

Originally Posted by tom slocombe

They are both ok
1 "it" refers back to the whole sentence --- "I tried my powers of persuasion on her " ( this strategy didn`t work )
2 "they " refers back to ------ "my powers of persuasion"
(my powers of persuasion didn`t work)

Sorry Tom - and everyone else - but I disagree.

Power of persuasion is a good phrase - in the singular - and must be linked to it.

Powers of persuasion is an equally good phrase - in the plural - and must be linked to they.

Are you all persuaded?

[tom slocombe]

Originally Posted by DavyBCN

Sorry Tom - and everyone else - but I disagree.
Power of persuasion is a good phrase - in the singular - and must be linked to it.
Powers of persuasion is an equally good phrase - in the plural - and must be linked to they.
Are you all persuaded?

No, you have lost sight of the fact that both of Bills original sentences contained the phrase" powers of persuasion " so you have not appreciated the subtlety of his question.

Trying your powers of persuasion is a good idea if you understand the problem