Where there is rule-governed variation between the use of the singular and plural with numerals, the use of the singular is favoured with higher numbers, in measure constructions, in indefinite constructions, and with nouns which are inanimate or impersonal.
Standardized
Where there is rule-governed variation between the use of the singular and plural of nouns accompanied by numerals: IF the number is a higher one, THEN the singular is favoured; IF the construction is a measure construction , THEN the singular is favoured; IF the construction is indefinite , THEN the singular is favoured; IF the noun is inanimate or impersonal, THEN the singular is favoured.
For example, Amharic (Semitic) uses singular and plural for animate nouns from 2-99, over 99 only the singular. For inanimates the singular or plural is used with 2-9, whereas >9, the singular only is used. This evidently combines to suggest a preference for the singular both with higher numbers and inanimates.In Tlappanek (Hokan), personal nouns are in the plural with numeral >1, impersonal in the singular only. In this case impersonal nouns do not have plurals. It is in fact clear that the rule with regard to numeral constructions is in accord with this tendency in nouns themselves. Greenberg proposes the following implicational universal: Wherever a language has plural forms for any impersonal nouns, it has them for personal nouns, and similarly for inanimates and animates (Greenberg ibid.).
For example, Amharic (Semitic) uses singular and plural for animate nouns from 2-99, over 99 only the singular. For inanimates the singular or plural is used with 2-9, whereas >9, the singular only is used. This evidently combines to suggest a preference for the singular both with higher numbers and inanimates.In Tlappanek (Hokan), personal nouns are in the plural with numeral >1, impersonal in the singular only. In this case impersonal nouns do not have plurals. It is in fact clear that the rule with regard to numeral constructions is in accord with this tendency in nouns themselves. Greenberg proposes the following implicational universal: Wherever a language has plural forms for any impersonal nouns, it has them for personal nouns, and similarly for inanimates and animates (Greenberg ibid.).