Frequently Asked Questions
Grammar
Should I use a singular or a plural verb with collective nouns such as 'government',
'committee', and 'family'? |
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Such nouns are used to refer both to a whole group as a singular entity, and to the members of the group. The context may
therefore require flexibility: you might write:
The committee has now come to a decision.
but you could hardly use a singular verb in
The committee have now taken their seats.
(A pedant might insist on writing 'The members of the committee have now taken their seats.')
In some contexts it is natural and idiomatic to use a plural verb with a noun
which is singular in form:
Other questions in this section:How do I know when to put an apostrophe in it's?
If someone is doing a master's degree in the arts is it an MA or a MA?
In the sentence 'It is raining' what is 'it'?
Is 'agenda' singular or plural?
Is 'data' singular or plural?
Is it acceptable to use 'they' instead of 'he' or 'she'?
Should I use a singular or a plural verb with collective nouns such as 'government', 'committee', and 'family'?
Should I write 'a number of people is' or 'a number of people are'?
What are the plurals of 'octopus', 'hippopotamus', 'syllabus'?
What is a split infinitive, and why should I avoid using one?
What is the word for 'the whole is greater than the sum of the parts'?
When should I use 'less', and when should I use 'fewer'?
Which is correct: 'a hotel' or 'an hotel'?
Which is correct: 'a person was laid on the table' or 'a person was lain on the table'?
Which is correct: 'my friend and me' or 'my friend and I'?
Which is the correct spelling: 'oriented' or 'orientated'?
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