Mastering Numbers and Units: Avoiding Common Grammar Mistakes

As an ESL teacher, I often notice my students facing challenges when it comes to using numbers and units correctly in English. One recurring issue is the incorrect pluralization of numbers and forgetting to pluralize the associated noun when numbers are used as modifiers.

In this blog post, we will address this common problem and provide clear explanations and examples to help you improve your grammar skills when dealing with numbers and units.

Look at this basic outline of rules:

1. Singular Numbers, Plural Nouns:

When using numbers to modify a noun, it's important to remember that the noun should be pluralized, not the number itself. Let's look at some Examples:

Incorrect: I have 7 hundreds books.

Correct: I have 700 books.

Incorrect: She has 3 hundreds dollars.

Correct: She has 300 dollars.

Incorrect: They sold 3 thousands tickets for the concert.

Correct: They sold 3 thousand tickets for the concert.

**we never make a number plural; never say “three millions”

**if there is a noun after a number bigger than one, pluralize it; “3 houses”

1. Singular and Plural Units:

When using units of measurement or other units next to numbers, it's essential to choose the appropriate form based on whether the number is singular or plural. Let's explore some examples:

Incorrect: I ran 1 miles yesterday.

Correct: I ran 1 mile yesterday.

Incorrect: He weighs 6 kilogramses.

Correct: He weighs 6 kilograms.

Incorrect: The temperature dropped by 10 degree Celsiuses.

Correct: The temperature dropped by 10 degrees Celsius.

**for temperature, we never pluralize ‘celsius’ - never say ‘celsiuses.’

1. Compound Modifiers with Numbers:

When forming compound modifiers with numbers, it's crucial to remember that the noun following the number should be pluralized. Let's see some

**a modifier is when something (usually an adjective) comes before a noun, like “a large pizza” and a compound modifier is when we have 2 words that come together to modify the following word, like “2-topping pizza.” the name sounds kinda scary “compound modifiers” but it is actually pretty simple. For more, read this blog post here.

Examples:

Incorrect: She bought a 5-pounds bag of rice.

Correct: She bought a 5-pound bag of rice.

Incorrect: They live in a 2-bedrooms apartment.

Correct: They live in a 2-bedroom apartment.

Incorrect: He ordered a 3-toppings pizza.

Correct: He ordered a 3-topping pizza.

**For these phrases, we only pluralize the noun being modified and only if it is greater than one.

• “A 2-topping pizza.”

• “Three 2-topping pizzas.”

SUMMARY

Mastering the correct usage of numbers and units is essential for effective communication in English. By avoiding common grammar mistakes such as pluralizing numbers and forgetting to pluralize nouns when necessary, you can ensure that your language is clear and accurate. Practice using numbers and units correctly by paying attention to the examples provided in this blog post and applying this knowledge in your everyday conversations and written work. Also, try the exercises below.

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Decide whether or not to make the word in parenthesis plural or not.

1) He bought three (dozen) eggs from the market.

2) The recipe calls for two (teaspoon) of sugar.

3) They traveled a (mile) to reach the destination.

4) The package contained five (pair) of shoes.

5) He spent eight (thousand) dollars on the car.

6) The room can accommodate twenty (person).

7) She has saved four (hundred) dollars for the trip.

8) We walked for five (kilometer) along the beach.

9) The book weighs two (kilogram).

10) There are ten (thousand) students in the university.

ANSWERS:

1) Corrected: She bought three dozen eggs from the market.

2) Corrected: The recipe calls for two teaspoons of sugar.

3) Corrected: They traveled a mile to reach the destination.

4) Corrected: The package contained five pairs of shoes.

5) Corrected: He spent eight thousand dollars on the car.

6) Corrected: The room can accommodate twenty people.

7) Corrected: She has saved four hundred dollars for the trip.

8) Corrected: We walked for five kilometers along the beach.

9) Corrected: The book weighs two kilograms.

10) Corrected: There are ten thousand students in the university.