Handy grammar link?

[Carrie12345]

My dd and I got into a lively discussion about subject/verb agreement in the case of strange nouns like pants and underwear. I tend to say "those pants", but "that underwear", despite the fact that I consider both to be "pairs". My 9yo is calling me out. We need an official ruling! ;)

[Mrs Mungo]

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/sv_agr.htm

 

Sometimes nouns take weird forms and can fool us into thinking they're plural when they're really singular and vice-versa. Consult the section on the Plural Forms of Nouns and the section on Collective Nouns for additional help. Words such as glasses, pants, pliers, and scissors are regarded as plural (and require plural verbs) unless they're preceded the phrase pair of (in which case the word pair becomes the subject).

 

 

• My glasses were on the bed.
  
• My pants were torn.
  
• A pair of plaid trousers is in the closet.

 

I would guess you are thinking "pair" when you say underwear and not when you say pants.

[Carrie12345]

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/sv_agr.htm

 

 

 

I would guess you are thinking "pair" when you say underwear and not when you say pants.

 

Thank you, Mrs. Mungo!

 

So, "Those pants are dirty," vs. "That underwear does not belong on the kitchen counter," (hypothetically, of course,) yes?

[Mrs Mungo]

Thank you, Mrs. Mungo!

 

So, "Those pants are dirty," vs. "That underwear does not belong on the kitchen counter," (hypothetically, of course,) yes?

 

Hm. I think you would say, "those pants are dirty," and "that pair of underwear does not belong on the kitchen counter."

[Princess Peach]

I like grammar girl. I always search there if I have a question.