What is the correct way to indicate something can be either singular or plural?

Question

Taking it as a given that the system is not intelligent enough to be able to recognise a single result as apposed to multiple results (don't ask!), what is the correct way to represent the possibility of either from a grammatical perspective? I've always taken it as a given that placing an 'S' within brackets is correct, however, someone has suggested this is grammatically incorrect, and that the 'S' should be preceded by a forward slash. e.g.

• A.

  • 1 matching result(s)
  • 100 matching result(s)

• or B.

  • 1 matching result/s
  • 100 matching result/s

As mentioned above, ideally the system would be smart enough to recognise the difference and display the message accordingly (1 matching result, 100 matching results), but until this can be resolved technically we have to answer the problem with content.

Answer 1

I vote A. I read the result/s initially as result per second.

Result(s) seems more natural, but I would prefer the option were you'd detect if the number is larger than 1 and change result to results.

Maybe take a look here: english.stackexchange here the (s) seems to be the standard.

Another option is to put it like this:

Matching results: 1

With this option the need to add/remove the 's' seems not as important as with your options.

Answer 2

If you are using English, then the most common way is option A. 100 matching result(s).

However I would strongly discourage using this, as it makes it very difficult to internationalise your application. I would suggest finding a way of wording it that does not require a reference to a singular or plural noun. I would rather use:

Matching results: 100

or

Results: 100 matching

or if it's clear by the layout that they are results, simply

100 matching

This gives the focus to the number, which is most important, and not to the word "result". Android has adopted a similar method, and is has shown to be easily understood and easily internationalised.

Answer 3

I've always seen A used and even in non UI contexts. In legal docs / contracts etc. A is the option of choice I say. OTOH I do agree that either way it won't be too bad.

Option B would be more suitable for something like fire-man/woman context indicating an alternative not an optional construct.

I'll say though that personally these fine touches are a big part of what I think about a product. A UI that throws "Choose any products from the following 1 results" is jarring and causes me to suspect how other (more important) details were implemented in the product.