Bill Situ
English and ESL Instructor
Whenever we use the expression "different" in front of a noun, we are trying to compare two or more different subjects. Therefore, the noun that follows "different" is always plural:
Incorrect: Different writer expresses ideas differently.
Correct: Different writers express ideas differently.
Of course, if we add "a" or "one" in front of "different", then the noun following would be singular:
A different person
A different colour
One different opinion
One different problem
If we do not use "a" or "one" in front of "different", then the noun that follows will be plural just like in example one.
Incorrect: Different writer expresses ideas differently.
Correct: Different writers express ideas differently.
Of course, if we add "a" or "one" in front of "different", then the noun following would be singular:
A different person
A different colour
One different opinion
One different problem
If we do not use "a" or "one" in front of "different", then the noun that follows will be plural just like in example one.
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