I have never been to *the Netherlands*. a plural of *the Netherlands*?
Hi All,

I looked a dictionary, there is no much explanation, when should I use a plural of *the Netherlands*.
This question was generated by reading grammar usage of *the*, I found this sentence, why does *Netherlands* add s as a plural here? Is there a different meaning between 1) and 2) as below?

1) I have never been to *the Netherlands*.
2) I have never been to *Netherland*.

Many thanks for your help!

Question

I have never been to *the Netherlands*.  a plural of *the Netherlands*?
Hi All,

I looked a dictionary, there is no much explanation, when should I use a plural of *the Netherlands*.
This question was generated by reading grammar usage of *the*, I found this sentence, why does *Netherlands* add s as a plural here? Is there a different meaning between 1) and 2) as below?

1) I have never been to *the Netherlands*.
2) I have never been to *Netherland*.

Many thanks for your help!

Answer

Hello,

Like all grammar rules, there are always exceptions to the rule.

The Netherlands here is not a plural form, it is a unit, the name of the country.

So we don't say "I've never been to Netherland", we ALWAYS say "I've never been to the Netherlands".

I hope it helps.

Answer

"The Netherlands" is the name of the country, so it isn't a plural, and can't be a plural. It isn't called "Netherland", but actually "The Netherlands."

One would always say "I have never been the The Netherlands" or "I would like to visit The Netherlands."

Hope that helps!

Answer

The name of the country is 'The Netherlands.' It's always plural. 'Netherland' is never used in English. Sentence number one is correct. Sentence number two is not.

Answer

the country's name is in plurar