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customs exemption



 
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ESL Forum | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
Usage of 'sit' | His passion is...
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customs exemption #1 (permalink) Sun Nov 01, 2009 18:07 pm   customs exemption
 

Hi, I read this in a newspaper: customs exemption. Why is customs not in singular like ''shoe shop'', ''sport centre'' etc. ? And one more thing: "If you can show me the way, I (will/would?) be grateful.'' thanks.
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customs exemption #2 (permalink) Sun Nov 01, 2009 18:30 pm   customs exemption
 

Customs in plural has a special meaning that the singular usually has not, that of the procedure you go through when you enter another country. In addition, the singular can be both (substantive) noun and adjective, as in a custom-made dress. The plural is the only option here that is not ambiguous.

Will is better, though I believe some native speakers might also say would - would is strictly speaking a hypothetical situation.
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