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. :shock:

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

Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[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

TOEIC listening, photographs: Workers on scaffolding

[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.