Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Are you "pantless" or "pantsless"? Who (or what) is Beetlejuice?
Nov 5, 2024
Discover the quirky debate over 'pantless' versus 'pantsless' as the podcast navigates the complexities of plural-only nouns like 'pants' and 'scissors.' Dive into the historical roots of 'pants' and learn about its evolution in English. Explore the intriguing origin of 'Beetlejuice,' linking it to mythology and cultural significance. Listen for a laugh with a familect story that showcases how language shapes family communication. It's a playful exploration of grammar that keeps you engaged!
17:14
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Quick takeaways
- The use of plural-only nouns like 'pants' can lead to confusion in grammar, notably with the suffix '-less'.
- The name 'Beetlejuice' stems from the star Betelgeuse, revealing its deep roots in mythology and historical translations.
Deep dives
Understanding Pluralia Tantum
Certain unique English nouns, known as pluralia tantum, only exist in their plural forms and take plural verbs. Examples include items like pants, scissors, and glasses, which are inherently plural even when referring to a single entity, as in 'Aardvark's pants are brand new.' This grammatical quirk often confuses writers since these nouns challenge traditional singular and plural rules. Nevertheless, relying on intuition typically leads to correct usage, as these nouns rarely sound right with a singular verb.
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