that of John, Mary, and Linda

tkay · Post by **tkay** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 8:50 am

1. His opinion was quite different from that of John, Mary, and Linda.
2. His opinion was quite different from those of John, Mary, and Linda.

Are these both okay? Which one is better? Does it make difference if John, Mary, and Linda have identical or different opinions? Thanks. --- tk

Alan · Post by **Alan** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 4:47 am

There's no categorical difference, but the first would tend to suggest a single common opinion,and the second multiple opinions. However, only context could make the matter absolutely clear.