[Vocabulary] Never + nouns in plural

[notletrest]

Please tell me whether we can say "Never children are so naughty as Bill." and why.
Thank you,teachers!

 

[5jj]

No. The correct word order is "Children are never as/so naughty as Bill."

 

[notletrest]

No. The correct word order is "Children are never as/so naughty as Bill."

But I came across the following:
"Never child is so naughty as Bill. "
It is in a Chinese book dealing with articles. So I thought of the question.
By the way I have read such a sentence as "Never a word he said."
Would you help me in comparing them.
Sorry to trouble you so much! Thanks!

 

[5jj]

But I came across the following:
"Never child is so naughty as Bill. "

That is incorrect.

"Never a word he said."

That's fine, though it has a slightly old-fashioned ring to it.

 

[emsr2d2]

There are situations where we put "never" etc at the beginning of a sentence but it can sound old-fashioned or as if you are trying to be clever.

Never have I seen such a naughty child = I have never seen such a naughty child.
Rarely have I eaten such a delicious meal = I have rarely eaten such a delicious meal.

 

[Rover_KE]

Never a word he said.

That's fine because 'never' is followed by an article – not a plural noun.

Rover