generic meaning

[sebayanpendam]

hi,

my question is when referring a general meaning, do we use plural nouns all the time?
e.g.
1. i like apples (should an apply be optional here in this sentence)?
2. dogs are men's best friends (the dog is a man's best friend?)

thanks

 

[TheParser]

hi,

my question is when referring a general meaning, do we use plural nouns all the time?
e.g.
1. i like apples (should an apply be optional here in this sentence)?
2. dogs are men's best friends (the dog is a man's best friend?)

thanks

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Good afternoon, Sebayanpendam.

(1) I like apples/ My favorite fruit is apples/ My favorite fruit is the apple (very formal English).

(2) Dog is man's best friend.

(a) (A) dog is (a) man's best friend.

(i) Most native speakers do not use "a."

(ii) They also do not use the plural.

(iii) Why? Because it is not idiomatic (the way that native

speakers use the language).

(a) When you say "Dog is man's best friend," it is not really a

sentence. It is more like a saying, expression, or proverb -- such

as "Practice makes perfect." Native speakers "drop" little words like "a"

because it sounds better.

Have a nice day!