Common Errors in Malay Language Usage (1)
  Focus for today:  Words denoting plurality
       
          Errors often arise when words denoting plurality are used in sentences.  Examples        of such words are 'semua' (all), 'berbagai-bagai' (various), 'segelintir' (a small number of), para (word used to denote more than one respectable person) and 'sesetengah' (some) Used singly, duplicated words show plurality. Hence, kuda-kuda means horses, buku-buku means books and so on.

        Note the following sentences which are considered wrong regarding the use of words denoting plurality.
1. a) Semua pelajar-pelajar memakai uniform sekolah. (X)   
    b) Semua pelajar memakai uniform sekolah. (/)
    (Note: 'Semua' itself shows plurality, so the word that follows it need not be duplicated to indicate so.)

2. a) Berbagai-bagai acara-acara diadakan pada Hari Guru. (X)
    b) Berbagai-bagai acara diadakan pada Hari Guru. (/)
(Note: 'Berbagai-bagai' which means 'various' shows that it is more than one, so it is unnecessary to duplicate the word that follows it to indicate plurality.)

3. a) Segelintir pemandu-pemandu kereta masih melanggar peraturan lalu lintas. (X) 
    b) Segelintir pemandu kereta masih melanggar peraturan lalu lintas. (/)
(Note: It is not  necessary to use 'pemandu-pemandu' (drivers) after 'segelintir' which bears the meaning of 'a small number of'.)

4. a) Para pemimpin-pemimpin hendaklah menunjukkan teladan yang baik. (X)
    b) Para pemimpin hendaklah menunjukkan teladan yang baik. (/)
        (Note: Since 'para' indicates plurality, the word that follows it should not be duplicated.)
    c) Para perompak sudah ditangkap oleh polis. (X)
    d) Semua perompak itu sudah ditangkap oleh polis. (/)
        (Note: 'Para' can only be used in front of a person who is respected by others. As perompak (robbers) are despised by others, 'para' cannot precede it.  It can be replaced with 'semua'.)

5. a) Sesetengah guru-guru pandai bergurau. (X)
    b) Sesetengah guru pandai bergurau. (/)
        (Note: No duplication of the word 'guru' is necessary as 'sesetengah' which means 'some' indicates plurality.)
    c) Setengah guru suka melancong. (X)
  d) Sesetenah guru suka melancong. (/)
      (Note: The word 'setengah' means 'half'. As such, 'setengah guru' means 'half a teacher' which is illogical. 'Sesetengah' is the correct word to be used here.)
 
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