| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Jerry Chen
Joined: 26 Jan 2006
Posts: 115
|
 Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:14 am Post subject: Need help from native English speakers |
 |
|
Hello,
As the sentence says,
One pound is roughly equal to 0.5 kilograms.
Is the sentence OK?
is it 0.5 kilogram or 0.5 kilograms?
If "0.5 kilograms" is correct, I will become confused. Any rule to explain this?
Thanks for your help! |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Bob S.
Joined: 29 Apr 2004
Posts: 1767
Location: So. Cal
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:07 am Post subject: Re: Need help from native English speakers |
|
|
| Jerry Chen wrote: |
One pound is roughly equal to 0.5 kilograms.
Is the sentence OK? |
Yes, it is correct. You can say:
point five kilograms or half of a kilogram.
The general rule is: when saying a fraction less than one, you are saying it in reference to a single unit, so you use singular. When you use decimals, use plural.
e.g.
point seven five kilometers; three fourths of a kilometer, three quarters of a kilometer
point five liters; half of a liter
one point five liters; one and a half liters
_________________
"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
