A body or bodies?

hirashin

Sempai

Donor

8 Apr 2004

2,721

63

• 26 Sep 2012

• #1

Dear native English speakers.

Would you help me again?

In a text which seems to be written by a native English speaker, there
is a sentence below.

(a) In the early Middle Ages especially, the religion's emphasis on the spirit resulted, for several centuries, in some Christians neglecting to wash their bodies.

Is this usage of "bodies" correct? Can't its singular form "body" be used instead?

How about this one? Which form would be correct ?
(b) In those days, Christians neglected to keep their (body / bodies) clean.

Thanks in advance.

Hirashin

 

ewww

I am Groot

Rest in Peace

5 Apr 2012

438

46

• 26 Sep 2012

• #2

Ha-ha, sorry, but I can't be silent. It is partially true, because, in russia, for example, which was christian country, hygiene was a rule and washing was mandatory. It is very true for western europe, where they reject bathing untill 18th century, and they did prefer strong perfume instead. BTW, some historics thinks that habbit for daily wash did come to europe with russian army, which chased Napoleon to Paris.

 

Grandpa Frank

Sempai

Admin

Twenty-year veteran

21 May 2003

14,310

4,404

• 26 Sep 2012

• #3

I think, it is plural because bodies goes with "Christians & their" which are plural forms.

Uncle Frank= ( a native speaker who can only guess at the rules of English due to laziness in school)

 

hirashin

Sempai

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8 Apr 2004

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• 26 Sep 2012

• Thread starter
• #4

Hello, ewww. Haha. You seem to be very talkative.
Thank you for your ongoing help, Uncle Frank. I appreciate it.
Hirashin

 

Glenn

一切皆苦

8 Jan 2004

7,842

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• 28 Sep 2012

• #5

Frank's right. "Bodies" is the right choice, although colloquially you'll probably also see/hear "body".

 

hirashin

Sempai

Donor

8 Apr 2004

2,721

63

• 28 Sep 2012

• Thread starter
• #6

Thanks for your help, Glenn.

Hirashin