Can I say,
The dining area is where the family has / have meal.
You need some sort of determiner before "meal."
In the U.S., we generlaly use a singular verb for family, but would still use "their" in the plural.
The dining area is where the family has/eats their meals.
It's the same in BrE; either a singular or plural verb can be used.
Grammar Geek You need some sort of determiner before "meal." In the U.S., we generlaly use a singular verb for family, but would still use "their" in the plural. The dining area is where the family has/eats their meals.
My family was/were in Orchard Road last Sunday.
I agree with GG. Americans usually use the singular in the case of family, for example, His family is loaded.
While we're on this subject, I have a quick question.
An old penniless couple is/are...?