Grammar issue on: http://www.diveintopython3.net/regular-expressions.html#summary

[cezaryzukowski]

On http://www.diveintopython3.net/regular-expressions.html#summary there is:

"* x? matches an optional x character (in other words, it matches an x zero or one times)."

Should it not be "one time" without 's' character (form more suitable grammatically)?

[alecthegeek]

Or ""* x? matches an optional x character (in other words, it matches an x zero or once only)."

[cezaryzukowski]

Exactly, "once only" may suit or anything else indicating the singular and that it is single.

As far as I remember the grammar concerning "and" and "or" statements:

• AND implies the plural ("s" attached),
• OR implies the singular (without "s").

So,

• OR - "zero or one time" or "zero or once only" - is grammatically correct (without "s"),
• AND - "zero and one times" - is still grammatically correct (the plural form), but sounds odd logically since both "zero and one times" can not occur at the same time.

I know it's a tiny issue; therefore, do not bother about it overly much.