ability or abilities

[phoebemia]

Hi, I read the following content on the website: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-chinese-simplified/ability



Why the second underlined word is used in single form instead of plural form? Isn't it in the similar context with the first underlined word?

 

[jutfrank]

Yes, it is a similar context. Some people prefer using singular forms in these cases and some prefer using plural forms. There isn't a practical difference in meaning but the evidence is that in the second example with a singular form, the writer has each individual child in mind rather than the plurality of children. Each child has an ability.

 

[emsr2d2]

Why is the second underlined word is used in single form the singular instead of the plural form? Isn't it in the a similar context with to the first underlined word?