[Grammar] Talk to her Like a Person

[kadioguy]

I'd have to see the whole article to know what she's doing.

You can do it. Please see post #19.

 

[jutfrank]

Okay, I've read the whole thing now. I agree with everything GoesStation has said.

By the way, I think this text is very well written and is a great example of the effect that changing narrative mode (present to past tense) can have.

 

[kadioguy]

In this case, the same kinds of incident are used in both parts.

Should it be "the same kinds of incidents"?

 

[GoesStation]

Should it be "the same kinds of incidents"?

No. Each one is a single example of a kind of incident. (But many native speakers would use the plural.)

 

[kadioguy]

No. Each one is a single example of a kind of incident. (But many native speakers would use the plural.)

Thank you, GoesStation.

I say so because I found this:

• Kind/​sort of is followed by a singular or uncountable noun:
  This kind of question often appears in the exam.
  That sort of behaviour is not acceptable.
  
  Kinds/​sorts of is followed by a plural or uncountable noun:
  These kinds of questions often appear in the exam.
  These sorts of behaviour are not acceptable.
  
  Other variations are possible but less common:
  These kinds of question often appear in the exam.
  These sort of things don’t happen in real life.
  (This example is very informal and is considered incorrect by some people.)
  
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1?q=kind

 

[GoesStation]

As Oxford says, both the plural and the singular are possible. I would not write "These sort of things" though.

 

[Rover_KE]

These sort of things don’t happen in real life.
(This example is very informal and is considered incorrect by some people.)

I fail to see how anybody can consider it to be correct.

 

[jutfrank]

Here's a teacher's answer:

Kind/​sort of is followed by a singular or uncountable noun:

• This kind of question often appears in the exam.
  That sort of behaviour is not acceptable.

• Yes, that's correct.

Kinds/​sorts of is followed by a plural or uncountable noun:

• These kinds of questions often appear in the exam.
  These sorts of behaviour are not acceptable.

I would not recommend that! You should follow with a singular noun.

Other variations are possible but less common:

• These kinds of question often appear in the exam.
  These sort of things don’t happen in real life.
  (This example is very informal and is considered incorrect by some people.)

Ugh! Those are even worse!

Don't look to dictionaries to tell you what to say.

 

[kadioguy]

• Other variations are possible but less common:
  These kinds of question often appear in the exam.
  These sort of things don’t happen in real life.
  (This example is very informal and is considered incorrect by some people.)

Ugh! Those are even worse!

Did you mean to say that '"These sort of things don’t happen in real life" is even worse'?

Another one is followed by a singular noun: These kinds of question often appear in the exam.

 

[jutfrank]

Did you mean to say that '"These sort of things don’t happen in real life" is even worse'?

Another one is followed by a singular noun: These kinds of question often appear in the exam.

Yes.

The second sentence is fine as long as kinds is actually meant to refer to more than one kind. If it isn't, it isn't right.