Which one of the following sentences is correct?
Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were born into working-class families.
Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were born into a working-class family.
2
-
They were each born into a working class family, or they were both born into working class families. This assumes they are not related.– Michael HarveyCommented Feb 7, 2021 at 9:44
-
4Does this answer your question? Do you pluralize the singular possessions of / items or people associated with individual members of a plural group? ([Speaking to a large group of men] 'Remind your wife to ....' or 'Remind your wives to ....'?) Either is acceptable, as here – though @Michael Harvey's suggestions sound more natural.– Edwin AshworthCommented Feb 7, 2021 at 15:52
Add a comment
|
1 Answer
Assuming they are unrelated, the first choice sounds correct.
Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were born into working-class families.
If they are brother and sister or related in some way, the second makes more sense.
-
If they were brother and sister, pragmatics virtually demands that the relationship (whether improbable, say Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty, or everyday) be addressed first. Commented Feb 7, 2021 at 16:02