Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[nawee]

Hello,

I often get confused with nouns that come after plural possessive adjectives like "their" and "our". Should it be the noun be plural or singular?

"Conifers protect their trunk(s) from insect attack with a gummy substance called resin."

Thank you,

Nawee

[Yinglish]

It depends on what the possessors have.

The dogs love their bones. (The dogs have bones.)

The dogs love their owner. (The dogs have one owner.)

The Smiths take care of their children. (The Smiths have children.)

The Smiths take care of their child. (The Smiths have one child.)

Conifers protect their trunks. (Conifers have trunks.)