title: More than one: plurality in thought and language.
abstract: This paper surveys the grammatical category of number, by which we distinguish groups or sets of two or more similar entities from a singular or solitary entity. The ways in which the English language signifies plurality are reviewed, and irregular and null plurals are identified and classified. The interaction of form and meaning is explored, particularly with respect to collective and mass nouns. Common exceptions to basic grammatical patterns are discussed as well as recurring errors and misunderstandings pertaining to plural forms.
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Dirckx
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014825:Vocabulary