Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hiromichi]

The colors can mean a national flag. When you refer to two national flags, do you say two pieces of the colors?
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Hiromichi

[pugachevV]

No, you would say, "The colors of both nations." Or something similar.

[hiromichi]

pugachevV, Thank you. Then what about in case of the same nation?
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Hiromichi

[pugachevV]

The colors, technically, refers to the flag(s) of a regiment, ship, or branch of the armed forces, but it is often used also to refer to national flags.
If there are several national flags, say two Chinese flags, you can refer to them as the colors. It's a plural noun that takes into account the fact that there may be more than one flag on display.
Usually, on a military parade, there is a special unit who parade the colors. They are referred to as "The color guard". They often lead the parade.
(It is a long time since I served in the military, so things may have changed, and there are probably national differences).

[hiromichi]

pugachevV, Thank you. Very clear.
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Hiromichi