Use singular or plural in this context
For example: Two thieves stand before a police officer. The police officer tells them to hand him their guns. (each thief has 1 gun)

Would the police officer say: "Give me your gun" or "Give me your guns."

I'm not sure because it could be "your gun" if I talk about each person or "your guns" for all guns.

What's the rule for this when you talk about one thing from many people?

Other examples:

(Teacher talking to students): Open your book/books to Chapter 2. (one book per student)
(Mom talking to 2 kids): Go grab your bag/bags. (one bag per kid)

Thank you.

Question

Use singular or plural in this context
For example: Two thieves stand before a police officer. The police officer tells them to hand him their guns. (each thief has 1 gun)

Would the police officer say: "Give me your gun" or "Give me your guns."

I'm not sure because it could be "your gun" if I talk about each person or "your guns" for all guns.

What's the rule for this when you talk about one thing from many people?

Other examples:

(Teacher talking to students): Open your book/books to Chapter 2. (one book per student)
(Mom talking to 2 kids): Go grab your bag/bags. (one bag per kid)

Thank you.

Answer

It is plural in all of those contexts. "Give me your guns." "Open your books to chapter 2." "Go grab your bags."

It would only be singular if phrased as a demand for each person separately. For example, "Each of you will open your book to chapter 2 and do the exercises."

Answer

I accidentally commented instead of answered, moved the answer to the Answers, and now I don't see how to delete this comment...

Answers · 2

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