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Tue 27 Jul, 2004 08:08 am
Hi....we say ten pounds and we say a ten pound note right. But why we dont say a ten penny piece ( singular as pound ) ? n why dont use coin instead of piece.
I know this sound stupid but I need to know everythings n thank u
navigator
That's a question about the origin of language - it has grown, not been invented!
You are correct that "piece" is used after the denomination, rather than "coin". If you learn all such peculiarities, you will speak/write like a native.
My second language is German and I'm always pleased to learn some of these special cases but remember - what is most important is that you are understood.
Good luck
KP
We say 'coin' as well as 'piece.' It's a matter of preference. We do say 'ten penny piece.' We don't say 'ten pennies piece,' because 10p is one coin, not ten.
I disagree - I'd say "ten pence piece" (pence = plural of penny) but I'd always say 5/10/20/50 pence "piece" rather than "coin".
I keep change in my pocket - I have coins in my pocket - to say I have "pieces" in my pocket would definitely be wrong - "a piece" in my pocket would mean a pistol !!!
Just like we say '10 bucks' more often than '10 dollars'.
All about language flavor.
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