Collective singular

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Collective singular denotes a generic term , which in the grammatical singular ( Singular group), although there is also a plurality ( plural is).

The collective singular is the grammatical favorite figure of prejudice. It is often used to give one's own statements more weight and to spare oneself a proper argument.

Examples

  • The man does not live by bread alone.
  • He has nice hair .
  • Eternally attracts the woman .
  • The story of all stories.

Examples of collectives without a collective singular

If there is no plural for the initial term for a collective term, then no collective singular is possible; It is then a collective plural . Examples:

  • reason
  • fruit
  • leaves

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. Metaphysics and Criticism. Festschrift für Baum, Manfred for his 65th birthday: Festschrift for Manfred Baum for his 65th birthday , edited by Sabine Doyé, Marion Heinz, Udo Rameil; Publisher: Gruyter, 2004. ISBN 978-3110174458 . P. 187
  2. Wolfgang Hadamitzky: Terms, Theories, Ideologies , De Gruyter, 2010. P. 196
  3. Ulrike Spree: The Striving for Knowledge A comparative genre history of the popular encyclopedia in Germany and Great Britain in the 19th century , Verlag Walter de Gruyter, 2000. P. 239