In languages with double numeral systems, there is a correlative tendency of the A form to be syntactically dependent [i.e. this form cannot stand alone but must be immediately followed by the item counted], and the B form to be independent.
Standardized
In languages with double numeral systems, there is a correlative tendency of the A form to be syntactically dependent [i.e. this form cannot stand alone but must be immediately followed by the item counted], and the B form to be independent.
DOUBLE NUMERAL SYSTEMs differentiate between either two lexically distinct forms for the number ‘one’ or two different numeral series. Greenberg labels these two sets of numerals A-forms and B-forms. Typically, A-forms are used in constructions expressing “artificial unit formation”, while B-forms usually express “natural unit counting”, cf. ‘five cupfuls’ [which is a non-standard measure] (A construction) vs. ‘five cups’ (B construction), which in a numeral classifier language corresponds to the contrast ‘ five cup sugar’ vs. ‘five round-object cup’ (cf. #1629).
DOUBLE NUMERAL SYSTEMs differentiate between either two lexically distinct forms for the number ‘one’ or two different numeral series. Greenberg labels these two sets of numerals A-forms and B-forms. Typically, A-forms are used in constructions expressing “artificial unit formation”, while B-forms usually express “natural unit counting”, cf. ‘five cupfuls’ [which is a non-standard measure] (A construction) vs. ‘five cups’ (B construction), which in a numeral classifier language corresponds to the contrast ‘ five cup sugar’ vs. ‘five round-object cup’ (cf. #1629).