eli5 why do we use “s” at the end of words with 0 quantity?

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0 elephants

1 elephant

2 elephants

100 elephants

I understand the “s” for quantities larger than 1 because it’s plural (more than 1) — but why for 0, which is less than 1? Why does it just “feel more comfortable” (including for me)? Is there a logical reason behind it?

In: 5848

15 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

What about 1.5 elephant(s)?

Actually this is a question Ive had for a long time.

It isnt one, yet you say “one (and a half) elephants…”. But, it isnt 2 elephants. It isnt 1 elephant. Is 1.5 elephante supposed to be plural or singular?

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