Modifiers for singular and plural nouns

Question

Hi all,

I have a question, is it possible for a modifier starting with a singular noun to refer to another plural noun?

Example;

1)  Pavlov's Grenadiers ,  a soldier  of the imperial Russian army, played an important role during the French invasion of Russia
2)  Pavlov's Grenadiers ,  soldiers  of the imperial Russian army, played an important role during the French invasion of Russia

Is the first example acceptable or outright wrong?

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

The first example is outright wrong.

However, the following is correct.

Pavlov's Grenadiers ,  a regiment of soldiers  of the imperial Russian army, played an important role during the French invasion of Russia

vv65 · Answer

I'm not sure what you mean by "a modifier starting with a singular noun".
So I don't understand the question ("is it possible for a modifier starting with a singular noun to refer to another plural noun?")

Your first example is wrong because of meaning rather than grammar: simply because Pavlov's Grenadiers is not a soldier.

Pavlov's Grenadiers does consist of soldiers, so the second example is PROBABLY acceptable.
(I'm uncomfortable because "Pavlov's Grenadiers" is a name and probably singular, while "soldiers" is plural.)

MartyTargetTestPrep's version is the best, because Pavlov's Grenadiers IS a regiment.

Posted from my mobile device

EducationAisle · Answer

Your example is not representative of the question you have in mind:).

I believe what you mean to ask is: Can a singular noun act as an appositive for a plural noun. The answer is  yes ; it depends on the context.

An official example:

The Federalist papers, a strong defense  of the United States Constitution as well as an important body of work in political science, represent the handiwork of three different authors.

Modifiers for singular and plural nouns

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards