Add a shortcut icon for application 1 and application 2.

[Zoli]

Confused about singular or plural form of noun. In the sentence below, does it mean that each of the applications (application 1 and application 2) receive its own separate shortcut icon?

Add a shortcut icon for application 1 and application 2.

or this would be the correct form:

Add shortcut icons for application 1 and application 2.


Another example:

Add a keyboard shortcut for option 1 and option 2.

Does it mean that option 1 and option 2 both receive one (but separate) keyboard shortcuts? For example option 1 is bound to CTRL-x and option 2 bound to CTRL-y.

 

[Barque]

Add a shortcut icon for application 1 and application 2.

In theory it could mean either a single shortcut or separate shortcuts. In practice I imagine it'd be difficult to use a single shortcut for two different applications. So practically it'd be taken as meaning separate icons.

or this would this be the correct form?

Add shortcut icons for application 1 and application 2.

Yes, this is a clearer way of saying it.

You could also say "Add a shortcut icon for each of applications 1 and 2."

 

[SoothingDave]

The sentence with the plural "icons" is correct.

 

[Tdol]

Or:

Add a shortcut icon for both application 1 and application 2.