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Consider the following example:

In chapters 1 and 2, the author discusses X

In this example, chapter needs to be pluralized for the sentence to be grammatically correct, right? But what if and is replaced with or – do we still need the plural form? That is, which of the following is correct – (1) or (2)?

  1. In chapter 1 or 2, the author discusses X
  2. In chapters 1 or 2, the author discusses X
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If you don't know what chapter it was in, but it was in only one of them, use

In chapter 1 or 2, the author...

I can't think of a reason to use your example 2.

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  • Thank you! Thing is, to me it sounds odd saying chapters 1 and 2 as well, because in my own language we don't use the plural form in that context, so I have a hard time determining whether the same goes for examples with or. But now I have my answer, so thanks! :)
    – Helen
    Commented Oct 15, 2021 at 21:36
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    I should add that in ordinary speech, people may say "in chapter 1 and 2...".
    – Jack O'Flaherty
    Commented Oct 15, 2021 at 21:39
  • Really? Huh! Interesting :)
    – Helen
    Commented Oct 15, 2021 at 21:41

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