The question ‘What is this? It is Japanese sweets.’ brings up a great point about understanding the correct use of plural and singular nouns in English, especially when it comes to words like ‘sweets’ and ‘sweet.’ Let’s break down why ‘sweets’ in this sentence might be causing some confusion, and clarify how to use plural forms like ‘these’ and ‘they’ properly.
Singular vs. Plural: ‘Sweet’ or ‘Sweets’?
The word ‘sweet’ can be used in both singular and plural forms depending on the context. If you are referring to one item, you would say ‘a Japanese sweet.’ However, if you are referring to multiple items, ‘sweets’ is the correct plural form. In your example, since you are likely referring to multiple types of Japanese sweets, ‘sweets’ is correct.
Using ‘These’ vs. ‘They’
When talking about something in the plural form, like ‘sweets,’ you should use ‘these’ instead of ‘this’ (which is used for singular). The sentence ‘What are these? They are Japanese sweets.’ would be grammatically correct. Here, ‘these’ refers to the sweets, and ‘they’ is the subject pronoun that refers back to ‘these.’
Why ‘Finally’ Isn’t Always Required with Plural Forms
In some languages, like Japanese, singular and plural distinctions aren’t always as emphasized as in English. Therefore, understanding how ‘sweets’ works in plural contexts is important. English tends to make the plural more noticeable through words like ‘these’ and ‘they,’ which emphasize multiple items being discussed. By using these words, the speaker can avoid confusion in both writing and conversation.
Conclusion: Using the Correct Article and Pronoun
In conclusion, ‘What are these? They are Japanese sweets.’ is the correct way to express the idea in English when referring to multiple sweets. The choice of ‘sweets’ for the plural form aligns with the context of discussing more than one item. Additionally, ‘these’ and ‘they’ properly correspond to plural subjects, making the sentence clear and grammatically sound.
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