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Hi, I usually edit some of the stuff my coworkers write around here, I believe I have good knowledge of what I'm doing but now I doubt it because of a document I'm reading right now...
This is how it reads (in many paragraphs):
"It is recommended that the agency review and revise the language on the website..."
My question is about the verbs in italics, I believe that since I'm talking about an agency it should be "reviews and revises"; when I brought this up to my supervisor she said no, because agency is singular, so the verb doesn't have a 's', well, I believe I'm right but as I said before I have doubts now, any help out there?
Thank you!
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The experts already answered and commented on your question. Please allow me to throw in my two cents. This is a quite common error in ELS level learners because that was how they were taught on basic grammar. Actually, there is a bunch of verbs that fall into the subjunctive category which overrides the 3rd person singular rules. i.e.
I demand that everyone respect the rules…
I recommend that everyone be on time…
I advise that she take the warning seriously (no “s”)
We insist that he be on time (not is to be)
The present subjunctive is most familiar to us in formulaic expressions such as God help him, be that as it may, come what may, and suffice it to say. It also occurs in that clauses used to state commands or to express intentions or necessity
We insist that he do the job properly.
The committee proposes that she be appointed treasurer immediately. (notice the main sentence is using the 3rd person/ singular while the clause was not!)
It is essential that we be informed of your plans. Hope that helps...