Sentence: Dogs are man's best friend - Am I right?

[Phoo]

"Dogs are man's best friend."

This sentence sounds strange to me.
I think if the subject is "dogs",
friend should be read "friends".

Am I right?

[Yankee]

Hi Phoo

Good point, but the problem is that "man's best friend" is a phrase which is fixed in cement, so it would sound quite odd to alter it even slightly.

If you're after grammatical correctness, it would be much "safer" to make the subject singular.

Amy
_________________
Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[Phoo]

Hi Amy,

I am not a grammar-supremacist,
I want to learn "natural" English spoken by majority of people in English speaking country.
I understand that you said that it is a "phrase" and it is OK and natural to say.

Thanks!

[Torsten]

Hi Phoo, if possible please try to use the English articles correctly. This is something you can learn by developing a feeling for 'what sounds good and what doesn't.' For example, your sentence sounds much better like this:

I want to learn "natural" English as it is spoken by the majority of people in English speaking countries.

For starters you might want to read this story by Alan:
How to use the English articles?
http://www.english-test.net/lessons/16/index.html

Let me know what you think.
Torsten
_________________
Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Phoo]

Hello Torsten,

Thank you for your nice correction about my sentence!
You are absolutely right!!

I usually speak and write English without paying much attention
unless it is to be graded or rated.
I should pay more attention anytime.