Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hela]

Dear teachers,

In the following passage, would you please tell me why

1) "parent" is singular? And does it have a plural meaning = mother AND father ?

During his first two years of university, Elmer�s PARENT paid his tuition but Elmer otherwise supported himself by working in the summer for one of his brothers....

2) "philosophy" is capitalized?

He considered his position. Twenty years old. A third year student in English and Philosophy.

All the best

[pugachevV]

If you only have one parent, or only one of your parents pays for something, or does something, then it's OK to use the singular "parent", as here.
I guess there is a reference, preceding this sentence, as to which parent they are talking about.
Philosophy is capitalised because it is used here as the title of a university course.

[hela]

Thank you