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Latest post Wed, Sep 5 2007 10:12 PM by CalifJim. 2 replies.
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Anonymous  +  414668 Wed, 05 Sep 07 07:39 PM
Which of the following is formally correct?

Thanks

How many do there have to be?

How many does there have to be?
Anonymous
Linguaphile  +  414694 Wed, 05 Sep 07 08:59 PM

 Anonymous wrote:
Which of the following is formally correct?

Thanks

How many do there have to be?

How many does there have to be?

I think the distinction here is not betwen formal and informal, but between grammatical and ungrammatical. As how many refers to a plural object, the verb should conform. Therefore, the second one is wrong in my opinion.
Linguaphile
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CalifJim  +  414735 Wed, 05 Sep 07 10:12 PM
Only the first is correct.

CJ
CalifJim
Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004
California
Veteran Member 22,128
"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche
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