As a language expert with a deep understanding of English grammar and usage, I'm here to provide a comprehensive answer to your question about whether to use "hair" or "hairs." The distinction between these two terms can be nuanced and depends on the context in which they are used.

Step 1: English Answer

When we talk about the collective growth of strands on a person's head, we typically use the singular form "hair." This is because, in this context, we're not counting individual strands but rather referring to the entirety of the head's coverage. For instance, when someone says, "She has beautiful hair," they are not counting each strand but admiring the overall appearance.

However, when we need to talk about individual strands or a small number of strands that are distinct from the whole, we use the plural form "hairs." This distinction is important because it helps to convey the idea that we are not talking about the entirety of the hair on a person's head, but rather specific strands. For example, if someone plucks out a few strands to show you, it would be correct to say, "Look at these three hairs I found on my sweater."

It's also worth noting that "hair" can be used in a broader sense to refer to any filamentous biomaterial, such as the fur on animals or even the fibers in a piece of cloth. In these cases, "hair" is often used in the singular form, even when referring to multiple filaments, because we're not typically counting them.

The use of articles with "hair" and "hairs" can also vary. When "hair" is used to refer to the general concept or the collective mass on a person's head, it is often uncountable and thus does not require an article. However, if we're talking about specific instances or quantities, an article might be used. For example, "A hair was found on the collar of his shirt," or "Some hairs were discovered at the crime scene."

In conclusion, the choice between "hair" and "hairs" depends on whether you are referring to the collective mass of hair on a person's head or individual strands. The singular "hair" is used for the general concept, while the plural "hairs" is used when specifying individual strands or a small group of strands.

Step 2: Divider

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The word hair is usually used without article in singular number when it refers to all the hairs on one's head in general. But if it refers to more than one hair, a few hairs, then it takes the plural form without an article, and needs a plural verb.read more >>