DISASTER OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
May 24, 2011
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Russian
Home Country
Russian Federation
Current Location
United States
(another one of those bothersome questions on countability)

"a disaster of biblical proportions"

Is the "s" in "proportions" optional?
 

birdeen's call

VIP Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2010
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Polish
Home Country
Poland
Current Location
Poland
(another one of those bothersome questions on countability)

"a disaster of biblical proportions"

Is the "s" in "proportions" optional?

It would sound unnatural to me without it. Collins Dictionary says "proportions" are always plural in this meaning.
 

sunsunmoon

Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2010
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Spanish
Home Country
Argentina
Current Location
Japan
proportions [plural] : the size, shape, or extent of something
▪ The carpet did not fit the proportions [=dimensions] of the room.
▪ It's a problem of huge/massive proportions.
▪ It was a disaster of biblical/epic proportions. [=it was a terrible disaster that affected many people]
 

Tdol

No Longer With Us (RIP)
Staff member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
Japan
I would use proportions.

Could I ask you not to write titles all in capitals, please? Writing in capitals is known as shouting. Thanks :up:
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top