a (metric) unit
I have a quetion when to use singular form for a metric unit.
"1 gram" --> correct
"1.5 grams" --> correct
"0.5 grams" ? or "0.5 gram" ?
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=34067&dict=CALD
According to the example sentence, the expression in "0.5 grams" seems correct.
Is it considered so because 0.5 = 1 x 1/10 ?
kathy
"1 gram" --> correct
"1.5 grams" --> correct
"0.5 grams" ? or "0.5 gram" ?
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=34067&dict=CALD
According to the example sentence, the expression in "0.5 grams" seems correct.
Is it considered so because 0.5 = 1 x 1/10 ?
kathy
<"0.5 grams" ? or "0.5 gram" ? >
'Point five of a gram' not 'Point five of a grams'
or
'Half a gram' not 'half a grams'
'Point five of a gram' not 'Point five of a grams'
or
'Half a gram' not 'half a grams'
I say "point five grams" or "half a gram"; 0.63 is "point six three grams".
It depends how you say it. 'Half a gram' and 'point five grams' are both correct. In the second example you are saying a number greater than one right before gram(s), which is why the 's' is added.
Someone should edit that dictionary page. Both "g" and "gm" may be abbreviations of "gram" but only the former has any official recognition. I would not recomend anyone use "gm".
Pluralisation of metric units in English is no different to pluralisation of any other English noun. As far as I'm aware you'll get both "0.5 thing" and "0.5 things" so who's to say which is correct?
Pluralisation of metric units in English is no different to pluralisation of any other English noun. As far as I'm aware you'll get both "0.5 thing" and "0.5 things" so who's to say which is correct?
Thank you for your opinions.
How about "0.001 kilograms" as expressed in the referred dictionary page?
Though a number before kilogram is one, it is described in plural form. Why?
How about "0.001 kilograms" as expressed in the referred dictionary page?
Though a number before kilogram is one, it is described in plural form. Why?
Good question. I guess it just comes down to the fact that not everyting in English is governed by rules. Sometimes English is just illogical, and there is no point in trying to figure certain things out. On the other hand, that does mean that English is a very flexible and forgiving language, which is a very good thing for someone who is trying to communicate in English when it is not their first language.
Metric system? What the hell is that? You mean the measurement system they use in Canada? Where else do they use this 'metric system'?
Metric system? What the hell is that? You mean the measurement system they use in Canada? Where else do they use this 'metric system'?
Metric system? What the hell is that? You mean the measurement system they use in Canada? Where else do they use this 'metric system'?
It's only the metric system. Who cares? It's not as important as Imperial.
<<Metric system? What the hell is that? You mean the measurement system they use in Canada? Where else do they use this 'metric system'?>>
Uh, pretty much EVERYWHERE else. Where have you been?
Uh, pretty much EVERYWHERE else. Where have you been?
<Uh, pretty much EVERYWHERE else. Where have you been? >
Just to BC Canada.
If we (USA) are using a system not used in most places I would personally favor adopting this 'Metric System' in the USA.
Just to BC Canada.
If we (USA) are using a system not used in most places I would personally favor adopting this 'Metric System' in the USA.