More than one

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Liveinjapan  #486873  Mon, 10 Mar 08 05:14 AM

I found something in another thread which I want to know further.

There's more than one alternative.

There are more than one alternatives.

 Given #1 is right, can 'more than one' be always followed by a singular noun?

Thanks
LiJ

  
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Please feel free to correct any words I wrote.LiJ
Hoa Thai  #486879  Mon, 10 Mar 08 05:37 AM
Hi LiJ,

Perhaps you caught that error in my recent post. It was illogical for me to write "more than (one options)."

Since I made that error, it is better for me to borrow this text from The American Heritage Book of English Usage to share with you:

 "Here’s a riddle: How can you have more than one and still have only one? The answer: When you are skinning a cat. When a noun phrase contains more than one and a singular noun, the verb is normally singular: There is more than one way to skin a cat. More than one editor is working on that project. More than one field has been planted with oats.

When more than one is followed by of and a plural noun, the verb is plural: More than one of the paintings were stolen. More than one of the cottages are for sale.

When more than one stands alone, it usually takes a singular verb, but it may take a plural verb if the notion of multiplicity predominates: The operating rooms are all in good order. More than one is (or are) equipped with the latest imaging technology."

  
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Best Regards - Hoa Thai
Liveinjapan  #486884  Mon, 10 Mar 08 06:06 AM

Thank you, Hoa Thai.

Got it!

EDIT: Any of my grammar books didn't tell me this issue. I've read your comment carefully, HT, and it's really helpful. Thanks agian.

  
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