Grammar

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#26620 Tue, 30 Mar 04 11:18 AM

When the subject is expressed by a group noun it must be agreed with the predicate in the singular or in the plural form? Please, explain the difference between American English and British English. Thank you for your help from Russia.

Guest

American English, British English, Difference between, Nouns, Plurals, Predicates

rommie

#26632 Tue, 30 Mar 04 01:28 PM

In British English it would be more common to say "Status Quo are a rock band".
In American English it would be more common to say "Status Quo is a rock band".

However, on both sides of the Atlantic, both variations are acceptable, so far as I know - at least in spoken English. In general, the "are" version refers to the band members, and so emphasizes that the band is composed of human beings, wheras the "is" version refers to the band itself collectively, emphasizing the unity of the whole.

Of course, if the band name is plural (e.g. "The Beatles") there is no distinction about which to worry.

Rommie

rommie

Joined on Mon, Jan 26 2004

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American English, British English, Plurals