Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[4wing88]

In the next sentence �Install the two pan side, front and rear gaskets on the oil pan.�

the phrase �two pan side� refers to two pieces of gaskets for an automobile oil pan. I wrote �side� as a singular word because I think the �side� word is functioning as an adjective in the original sentence. So it would be the same as writing: �Install the two pan side gaskets,� if I drop the �front and rear� adjectives.

Is my thinking right or should I write �sides� as a plural word?

Like this: �Install the two pan sides, front and rear gaskets on the oil pan.�

Thanks for your help.

[pugachevV]

If the item to be installed is called, "A pan side gasket" and there are two of them, "two pan side gaskets" is correct.

Question:- If the gaskets go at the front and rear of the pan, why don't you call them a pan front gasket and a pan rear gasket?

[4wing88]

Actually, these gaskets go to the left and right of the oil pan. But I will check on the actual name in the manual and see if they are called "pan side gasket."

Thanks a lot for your answer pugachevV.

[pugachevV]

I guess if the engine is mounted across the frame your original makes sense. They are indeed, pan side gaskets...I just didn't think about that possibility at the time. My apologies