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Tue 23 Dec, 2014 02:17 pm
Probably a dumb question but:
Why would we say "One point", but we'd say "Zero points" or even "0.3 points"?
Why is "point" singular when we say one, but not when we say zero?
@Hoodin,
That's just how English works.
We use the singular in only one situation, where there is a single (one) thing. In all other cases, including the case of zero, we use the plural. That's the rule.
One (1) apple.
Two (2) apples.
No (0) apples.
For fractions I would say "half (or 0.5) of an apple" (less than 1), or "One and a half (or 1.5) apples" (more than 1)
@Hoodin,
Quote:Why would we say "One point", but we'd say "Zero points"
You've got no chance of finding out.
@McTag,
McTag wrote:
Quote:Why would we say "One point", but we'd say "Zero points"
You've got no chance of finding out.
Because "No", the verbal equivalent of zero, takes a plural with countable objects: one egg, no eggs (singular with non count nouns e.g. no chance, no weight, no time etc).
@contrex,
You nailed it. Good work.
@FBM,
Bad work, because there was no question posed.
(hint: it was a joke.)
@McTag,
I thought this was the question:
Quote:Why would we say "One point", but we'd say "Zero points"
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