The "S" in formas

Question

I'm not sure when I should put the "s" in "forma". For example in the sentence, "Sus trozos son de forma rectangulares y brillantes." would I put "formas" since it is multiple pieces or leave it how it is?

Answer 1

I want to start saying that the original sentence is wrong. The correct way to write it is:

Sus trozos son de forma rectangular y brillantes

The word "rectangular" must be in singular because comes with "forma" (shape) that is singular. This sentence is similar to say:

Sus trozos son brillantes y de forma rectangular

In Spanish, the noum and its related adjetive must match in gender and number. In this case the shape can be "rectangular" but not "brillante" (shiny), so "brillantes" are the "trozos" (pieces).

In the other hand, you can say:

Sus trozos eran de formas rectangulares y circulares

Here, you use the plural of "formas" (shapes), because there are more than one kind of shape.

I wish I had thought of that! - Daniela2041, Nov 7, 2014

Answer 2

If the statement were "several" or" various forms" you could say" "Varias formas". But remember the general rule, singular noun gets a singular adjective, if the noun is plural you get a plural adjective. I prefer "Sus trozos son de forma rectangular."

Answer 3

There may be multiple pieces, but how many shapes are there? One.

Ah, but maybe all the pieces are rectangular in shape. - Winkfish, Nov 7, 2014

Not maybe, all the pieces *are* rectangular :) - Jack-OBrien, Nov 7, 2014

I see it now. Thanks. - Winkfish, Nov 7, 2014