consecutive month

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New2grammar

#545691 Thu, 24 Jul 08 03:51 AM

The unemployment rate rises for [the sixth consecutive month/six consecutive months]

Which is correct and natural?
Thanks.

New2grammar

Joined on Tue, Nov 21 2006

Veteran Member (7,670)

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Grammar Geek

#545694 Thu, 24 Jul 08 03:54 AM

As we look back at 2002, we see that starting in March, the unemployment rate rose for six consecutive months. (not factual)

This marks the sixth consecutive month that the unemployment rate has risen.

The unemployment rate has been rising for six consecutive months.

Grammar Geek

Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006

Pennsylvania, USA

Veteran Member (15,541)

Barbara, who answers in American English.

New2grammar

#545696 Thu, 24 Jul 08 03:58 AM

Ummm..GG, thanks for explaining the difference. I wonder which is correct when you use it as a headline. Are you saying either?

New2grammar

Grammar Geek

#545700 Thu, 24 Jul 08 04:02 AM

As a current headline?

Unemployment rate rises for sixth straight month

Edited to remove erroneous S

Grammar Geek

New2grammar

#545707 Thu, 24 Jul 08 04:10 AM

Yes. But GG, why straight instead of consecutive?

Grammar Geek
Unemployment rate rises for sixth straight months

Also, Why is sixth followed by the plural months which is not consistent with your previous suggestion as follows?

Grammar Geek

This marks the sixth consecutive month that the unemployment rate has risen.

The unemployment rate has been rising for six consecutive months.

New2grammar

Grammar, Plurals

Grammar Geek

#545927 Thu, 24 Jul 08 03:36 PM

New2grammar

Yes. But GG, why straight instead of consecutive?

Straight is a shorter word than consecutive. Headlines use shorter words.

Grammar Geek
Unemployment rate rises for sixth straight months

I had an S in my prior post that did not belong. I have editied it out now.

Grammar Geek

Grammar