Should I use the plural form when I refer to a feature in different things?

Question

I confront the following situation so often in many different cases: Assume that I want to write about the cars of two persons, then which of the followings is correct? 1. I asked them about the model of their cars. 2. I asked them about the models of their cars. Generally, should I use plural or single form when I want to refer to a quality/characteristic related to different things/persons?

Answer 1

Version 2 is correct. You are right to acknowledge that you are referring to more than one model. (Version 1 implies that the two cars are the same model by referring to it singularly.) Another option that could be clearer in some contexts would be to say, "I asked them about the models of each of their cars." You could even say, "I asked each of them about the model of his/her car."

I hope that's helpful! Let me know if you have any follow-up questions.

Answer 2

I asked each owner about his car.