Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[nawee]

Hello,

Do we need the plural form after "what" in a question?

"What animal(s) do you like?"

"What fruit(s) do you like?"

Or should I rephrase the question to be more natural?

Thank you.

Nawee

[dragn]

No, there is no requirement to use a plural form after "what" in a question. Either plural or singular can be used, but each conveys a different suggestion.

"What animal do you like?" seems to suggest that the speaker is only expecting a single animal to be named, as if it were only appropriate to name a single animal in this situation for some reason. In that sense, it could be equivalent to asking:

"What's your favorite animal?"

After all, you only have one favorite something.

"What animals do you like?" conveys the suggestion that the speaker expects or is anticipating several animals to be named. In that sense, it could be equivalent to asking:

"What are some of your favorite animals?"

So, as always: decide precisely what you want to say and form the sentence accordingly. Context rules!

Greg