plural

[bmo]

In today's Dear Abby:

1. "Are there any creative, non-threatening, kosher ways to spark their interest in me, as well?"

2. "If you are smart, you will find excuses to spend more time on campus."

The "excuses" in the second sentence clearly should be plural because there are more than one excuse. How come "their interest" in the first paragraph is singular? It is more than one person, shouldn't it be their interests?

Thanks. BMO

[Tdol]

Originally Posted by bmo

In today's Dear Abby:

1. "Are there any creative, non-threatening, kosher ways to spark their interest in me, as well?"

2. "If you are smart, you will find excuses to spend more time on campus."

The "excuses" in the second sentence clearly should be plural because there are more than one excuse. How come "their interest" in the first paragraph is singular? It is more than one person, shouldn't it be their interests?

Thanks. BMO

Not neccessarily- people can share an interest- many people with one interest.

[bmo]

Originally Posted by tdol

Not neccessarily- people can share an interest- many people with one interest.

Got it, thanks. BMO

[Tdol]

You're welcome.

Originally Posted by bmo

In today's Dear Abby:

1. "Are there any creative, non-threatening, kosher ways to spark their interest in me, as well?"

2. "If you are smart, you will find excuses to spend more time on campus."

The "excuses" in the second sentence clearly should be plural because there are more than one excuse. How come "their interest" in the first paragraph is singular? It is more than one person, shouldn't it be their interests?

Thanks. BMO

It is not even "more than one excuse" but different types of excuses that the plural form means.

[Tdol]

I don't see why the excuses have to be different types, just as long as they are different.