People can speed up their metabolism.
Does metabolism have to be plural in this case? For some reason it seems ok, but I would love to see a sound grammatical explaination.
2006-12-29 07:34:54 · 9 answers · asked by min 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
No, singular for Metabolism is fine
2006-12-29 07:36:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have to say I am not an expert !!
It is a noun which is usually used in the singular as there is only one of it
People can speed up their metabolism ...means they have only one
People can speed up their metabolisms ...means each person has two or three different metabolisms
2006-12-29 16:02:37 · answer #2 · answered by shetland 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It should be plural. Try using another word: "People can speed up their (car or cars). If the subject (people) is plural then the object (metabolisms or cars) should also be plural.
2006-12-29 15:43:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
METABOLISM is correct because there is no plural form for metabolism. It is like a mass noun; therefore . The sentence is correct.
2006-12-29 15:41:35 · answer #4 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, it needs to be metabolisms unless all the people are sharing one metabolism. Sometimes, it's easier if you replace it with a similar sentence with less awkward words: [People can ride their bikes to work] rather than [People can ride their bike to work].
2006-12-29 15:38:26 · answer #5 · answered by just browsin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I honestly think that it is both the singular and the plural.
2006-12-29 15:37:50 · answer #6 · answered by jennifer p 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That grammar is fine.
Good Luck!!!
2006-12-29 15:37:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
no
2006-12-29 16:40:02 · answer #8 · answered by Li 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don;t think so
2006-12-29 15:36:47 · answer #9 · answered by AC 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋