ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: has / have

New2grammar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:02:56 GMT

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...?

Re: has / have

Yoong Liat — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:40:54 GMT

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.

It's the same in BrE; either a singular or a plural verb can be used after 'family'.

My family was/were in Orchard Road last Sunday.

Re: has / have

Yoong Liat — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:38:06 GMT

It's the same in BrE; either a singular or plural verb can be used.

Re: has / have

Grammar Geek — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:32:26 GMT

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.

has / have

Vincent Teo — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:27:26 GMT

Can I say,

The dining area is where the family has / have meal.