Teacher Discussion Forums

Hi guys,

My friend is a maths teacher. His Year 9 class asked him some interesting questions today.

Here they are:

Am I 6 foot tall or 6 feet tall? Which is the correct English and why?

How about 5 foot 9? Is it plural or singular and why?

Also, any idea why we use "lbs" as an abbreviation for "pounds"?

Does anyone have any simple answers for his Year 9 class?

This is from Wikipedia: "The word pound comes from the Latin word pendere, meaning "to weigh". The Latin word libra means "scales, balances" and it also describes a Roman unit of mass similar to a pound. This is the origin of the abbreviation "lb" for the pound."

I usually use "6 feet tall" and "5 foot 4". Don't ask me why though. Sorry. Perhaps they are both possible.

Thanks for that. Yes I gave him the exact same answer for feet and foot and he asked me why. Who knows right? We say it as we say it.

Many millions of google hits for both. Either is OK.

I don't think I ever use feet; I may do so sometimes but foot is definitely my standard.