How to explain why do we use, e.g. "1" video but "0" videos? [duplicate]

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Correct plural form of a zero quantified noun

It's getting really complicated when you have to explicate to a student a bunch of habitual "Whys"!

For example, how do I explain, why do we say: "1 video but 0 videos?".

It's understood, if we say 2 videos but when we refer to '0' why is it also plural?

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asked Aug 31, 2012 at 20:00

Christina

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Because only one is singular. Everything else is not singular. The nature of singularity is being single, unitary, unique, isn't it? Everything else is plural.
– RegDwigнt
Aug 31, 2012 at 20:03
Also, what do you mean "it's understood if we say 2 videos"? I object. Many languages have dual. Some even trial or paucal. Old Church Slavonic had dual. Slovene still has, Russian does not. Going by your profile, your students are native speakers of Russian, so just ask them right back: why do they use plural for 2? It makes no sense! (^_^)
– RegDwigнt
Aug 31, 2012 at 20:08

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