In a specific area, there will be many buildings, and each building will have many layouts (a couple of companies will do the designs). Which of the following phrases is correct? 1. The layouts of th

Dinghui

In a specific area, there will be many buildings, and each building will have many layouts (a couple of companies will do the designs). Which of the following phrases is correct? 1. The layouts of the buildings 2. The layouts of the building 3. The layout of the buildings 4. The layouts of buildings 5. The layouts of building 6. The layout of buildings I’ve omitted the obviously wrong ones.

Apr 11, 2022 5:44 AM

Answers · 11

Most likely 1 or 3. Usually though, we'd just say, "the building layouts". Note that "building" is always singular in such constructions, just as we refer to "egg" in the singular even though "egg cartons" hold multiple eggs (often multiples of six in the USA).

April 11, 2022

I can't think of a situation where 2 would be correct. You are talking about one building (singular), and that building can only have one layout.

April 11, 2022

If you're talking primarily about the designs, then number one. If you're talking primarily about the buildings, then number three. Does that help?

April 11, 2022

I think only number 1 is correct. My explanation: Buildings of a specific area means specific buildings, thus "the" buildings Layouts are specific to a building, thus "the" layouts" Combined to give "the layouts of the buildings"

April 11, 2022

Still haven’t found your answers?

Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!