With what words are collective numerals used: pupils, kittens, scissors? - briefly
Collective numerals are used with words that denote groups or pairs. For instance, they are appropriate with "pupils" and "scissors," but not with "kittens." Here are the correct pairings:
- Pupils: Collective numerals can be used because "pupils" refers to a group of students.
- Kittens: Collective numerals are not typically used because "kittens" refers to individual animals, even if there are multiple.
- Scissors: Collective numerals can be used because "scissors" is inherently a plural object, referring to a single pair.
With what words are collective numerals used: pupils, kittens, scissors? - in detail
Collective numerals in English are used to denote a specific quantity of items, people, or animals collectively. The choice of words that accompany these numerals can vary based on the nature of the items being counted. For pupils, kittens, and scissors, the appropriate words and phrases differ due to the distinctions in how these items are perceived and quantified.
Pupils are typically counted using the collective numeral "a group of" or "a class of." For instance, one might say, "There is a group of twenty pupils in the classroom" or "The class of thirty pupils is participating in the field trip." These phrases emphasize the collective nature of the pupils as a single entity, such as a class or a group, rather than individual entities.
Kittens, being animals, are often counted using the phrase "a litter of." For example, "A litter of five kittens was born last night" is a common usage. This phrase is specific to young animals, particularly those born in the same brood. Additionally, kittens can be referred to collectively using "a group of" or "a bunch of," as in "A group of seven kittens was playing in the garden."
Scissors, being a tool, are usually counted as a single item regardless of the number of blades. The correct term is "a pair of" since scissors typically consist of two blades. For example, "I need a pair of scissors to cut the paper" is the standard way to refer to scissors. If referring to multiple sets, one would say, "I have three pairs of scissors in my craft room." This usage reflects the fact that scissors are inherently a dual-bladed tool, and thus, the collective numeral "a pair of" is used.
In summary, the words used with collective numerals for pupils, kittens, and scissors depend on the nature of these items. Pupils are counted collectively as a class or group, kittens can be counted in litters or groups, and scissors are counted as pairs, reflecting their dual-bladed structure. Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurate and clear communication in English.