a grammar question

I would use "children." In the Wikipedia entry on "only child", "only children" is used more than once. It is difficult to get a comment on the plural, as it is hard to search for the definitions of two word locutions online.

It's a weird, awkward construction. Instead of


how about

Most of the students are the only child in their families.

You are talking about a position in the family - the first and only child.

So you mean my original sentence was correct? Because it refers a position, the first and the only one, child is correct while children is incorrect?
Why nobody talked about coherence?
By the way, does it sound weird "only children"? can "only" followed by a plural noun?
Thanks for reply.

I wouldn't.

No, the original sentence is not weird, just different emphasis. My words focus on the students, your words focus on the families.

Can you give me a little bit reason behind your "wouldn't"?
Thank you!

I just wouldn't. The very concept of being an "only child" precludes the plural.

I'm no grammarian, or nuthin, but if you wanted a "technical" answer, I would probably say that the subject of the sentence ("most") is singular in form and concept (if not raw quantity), so child matches.

". . . most of the students are . . . "--plural.

OK, fair enough, but are what?

The only "children" or the only "child?"

I alone can't be the "only children" in my family--it's self-contradictory.

Find someone else to pick a fight with. You might also have some regard for people who are intent on learning English, and not trash their threads.

Heh, no matter what is said, you always seem to:

1. Accuse someone of trying to pick a fight with you, all while...
2. Telling them what to do and characterizing whatever they say as "trash."

Typical, sho nuff.

Most children have no siblings.

So they the onliest child then, eh, Missy?

They be only the lonely , always in dreams, here.

Thank you. I asked somebody in my office and he said child was right.
The reason is, only can only be followed by singular concept, not singular noun, but concept.
For example;
There are only one pen left on the table.
there are only two pens left on the table.
here, "two pens" is a unit concept, a singular concept, pens follow two, not "only". "two pens" follow "only".
It would be wrong if you say "there are only pens left on the table."
Certainly, if you want to emphasize there are only pens, no pencils or rulers whatsoever left on the table, the sentence is correct again. "pens" is a unit, singular concept, not a plural concept.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

Thank you very much for your comments!