“They're using a cell phone” vs. “They're using cell phones”
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The usage of singular and plural has always been confusing for me. I often see sentences like these People are using cell phones. People are using a cell phone. Does the first sentence mean everyone has a phone and they are all using their own? Does the second sentence mean they are sharing one cell phone? If I see a group of people holding a cell phone in their hand(s), <- even this is confusing for me, should I use the first sentence then? Another example: you see two men, and both of them are carrying a bag. Which sentence should I say/use? They are carrying backpacks They are carrying a backpack Could you please make it clear for me?
grammatical-number singular-they