We only have one brain(sure in two hemispheres) so what gives?
2007-01-21 20:49:09 · 14 answers · asked by Trixie Bordello 5 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
because as you pointed out the brain is made up of many different area's which often work quite independently for different purposes and so to use these all to there best ability we summarise that they are indeed working with each other.
2007-01-21 20:56:49 · answer #1 · answered by cassjag 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Two as in hemispheres, is plural ( so that is what gives ), also in the dictionary the informal use of brain is brains. Additionally if you ever sit down to a country breakfast, it is with brains, not brain.
2007-01-21 21:01:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In psychology, there is the "left brain" and the "right brain." One stands for the creative side of the brain, the other for the objective side of the brain. Using both to solve a problem, for example, will give you a better, more well rounded solution to your problem.
2007-01-21 21:15:47 · answer #3 · answered by MamaBearKnowzz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because when you need to use your brainS, you have to summon every asset: even a "s" may help... The pluralisation symbolise total mobilisation of brain...
Sure we've got only one brain. And only one digestive hose... but we say "gutS"...
2007-01-21 20:56:22 · answer #4 · answered by Houba houba hop 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are correct, each person has one brain. Yes, I have a brain.
It's hard to say why the plural was used IF they meant one brain.
We (meaning you and another person) have brains(2 brains).
You and he have brains. Both of you have brains. Each of you has a brain.
Perhaps the person who said 'use your brains' was speaking to more than one person in a group.
You are likely the brains of the group, meaning you are the intelligent one. You have all the brains.
2007-01-21 21:21:28 · answer #5 · answered by birdwatcher 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Saying 'use your brains' rather than 'use your brain' is due regional differences in language.
I hear 'brains' in London, but I've never heard that in the home counties - unless it has been by a ex Londoner.
2007-01-21 21:02:57 · answer #6 · answered by Boo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I've had an MIR, they did a brain NOT a brains scan. So accordingly I go with you..Oh by the way they found nothing..
2007-01-22 14:49:45 · answer #7 · answered by Luke 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is just a phrase, which probably originated when grammar rules weren't as strict, and probably from some place where crude similes, metaphors etc. prevailed in the vernacular there :D
2007-01-21 21:32:46 · answer #8 · answered by Alvurnus C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never heard anyone say brains in this context
2007-01-21 22:35:28 · answer #9 · answered by ChrisP 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm... why is vest singular but knickers and pants described as a pair? Same trousers - can't be because of two legs as we have two arms. Why are mouse(s) mice, louse(s) lice, but house(s) not hice. I guess it's just the way it is.
2007-01-21 21:03:21 · answer #10 · answered by gnasherr 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋