Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

dido4 · Joined: 23 Dec 2005 Posts: 277

Q1: Does the word animal have to be plural or singular in the sentence?(Is a. or b. right?)

a.Kangaroos are his cousin's favorite animal.
b.Kangaroos are his cousin's favorite animals.

Q1: Do the sentences have the same meaning with the sentence in the title?

a.The Kangaroo is his cousin's favorite animal.
b. A Kangaroo is his cousin's favorite animal.

Thank you

buddhaheart · Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 5:57 pm Post subject:

I think the 1st one (a.) is more usual. Kangaroos collectively, however many, are the favorite animal of his cousin. If his cousin likes kangaroos and wallabies, they you would say �Kangaroos and wallabies are his cousin's favorite animals.�

In your 2nd question, you may safely omit the article. If you must, the definite article may be used.