Learn English – Using plural and singular to refer to the same thing(s)

grammatical-numbersentence

I often have trouble expressing myself when I want to talk about some things (plural) holistically as a single thing.

For example, "differential equations are a form of expression…".

It doesn't seem right to say that somethings (plural) are a something (singular), but I would like to say something like this if it can be done at all correctly.

Best Answer

It is common and acceptable to have a plural noun relating with/to a singular one.

  • Proteolytic enzymes are a special class of hydrolyases called peptidases.
  • The catalytic chemistry of enzymes is the key to designing potent inhibitors and makes them a special class of drug target.
  • Filoviruses are classified as biosafety level 4 by the CDC...
  • Eutherians, also known as placental mammals, are a large portion of the mammalian class.
  • As one might expect, the letters have been an invaluable resource for art historians and biographers.

It is common in formal English, and more so in informal English.

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