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When should we use 'sky' in the plural (skies) instead of in the singular?

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Usage of "get the better of" | Sentence: He was to have met her last week itself, but because of the heavy...

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#16 (permalink) Mon Jul 07, 2008 13:04 pm When should we use 'sky' in the plural (skies) instead of in the singular?

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=> this is still not very clear, MrP. I think they often refer to the weather in general (all the time?) So it'll be much better if you give some examples Razz - thank you in advance Razz

Hi, Nessie
The definite article is used with uncountable nouns when they are modified by a limiting attribute, which may be expressed in different ways. Sometimes the limitation is clear from the context. Notice the sentence patterns with 'weather':
The weather is fine (cold, etc.).
What is the weather like today?
If the weather changes ...
We are having fine weather.
What cold weather we are having!
I wouldn't like to go out in such (bad) weather.
The flight was cancelled because of (the) bad weather.
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#17 (permalink) Mon Jul 07, 2008 22:39 pm When should we use 'sky' in the plural (skies) instead of in the singular?

nessie wrote:

MrPedantic wrote:

Hello Nessie,

nessie wrote:

However, what about the case of using "skies" for the weather (which Barb mentioned)? (Do you think they use the plural to mean something portentous?)

That's an interesting one. The weatherman tells me to expect clear skies; but I think to myself, "yes, the sky is clear". Wild guess: perhaps "skies" there relates to all our different experiences of "sky".

???

Rolling Eyes

Rolling Eyes

Rolling Eyes

???

Smile

1. Weatherman B: We can expect a clear sky tonight.
2. Weatherman A: We can expect clear skies tonight.

To me, #1 suggests that all the tv viewers share the same sky; and it will be clear for all of us.

#2 however suggests that Mr X in London sees one portion of sky, and Ms Y in Manchester sees a different portion of sky. Both can expect a "clear" sky; but of course each will see a slightly different set of celestial phenomena, at any given moment. Hence my perhaps "skies" there relates to all our different experiences of "sky".

It may be that another member will interpret the difference differently, though!

Best wishes,

MrP

MrPedantic
I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 13 Oct 2006
Posts: 1319
Location: Southern England

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