Re: "and" and comma

Lovek323 — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 12:06:34 GMT

Question 1
Although the question has already been answered, I should like to comment on why arise is the correct choice. The subject of the clause should any difference arise is difference, which is singular and third person. One of the fundamental principles of English grammar is that the subject and verb must agree in number and person. Thus, as the subject is third person singular, the verb must also be third person singular. (A more thorough explanation would discuss number and person.)

For all verbs except to be, number and person only affect the present tense. The -s ending is used for the third person singular and the uninflected (unchanged) form is used for the rest:

My neighbours annoy me.
My dog annoys me.

The uninflected form annoy is used when the subject is a plural noun phrase ("my neighbours" above) or one of the pronouns I, we, you (sg. or pl.), or they. The -s ending is appended when the subject is a singular noun phrase or one of the third person singular personal pronouns (he, she, or it).

Question 2
As has already been pointed out, neither of the proposed sentences was correct. A sufficient response has been given as to the reason behind the choice of a semi colon, even if it was unnecessarily cerebral (just kidding).

Re: Usage of "were" vs. "was"

molihua — Fri, 04 Jun 2004 14:16:42 GMT

for I and YOU pronouns...in rules of using is and are....singular nouns/pronouns normally follow the linking verb in singular form. However with I and YOU, even if they appear to be one person. I and YOU are exceptions. the proper grammar for it is:

"I" ---> the present tense for "were" is am. "were" is in the past form.
"YOU"---> the present tense for were is are.

You cannot say , " I are........." or "I is........" You is........" or You was..........." they always use the plural form of linking verbs.

That is the rule.........no matter what your construction sentences are.

Search results for 'tag:Singular nouns tag:Present tenses' matching tags 'Singular nouns' and 'Present tenses'

Re: "and" and comma

Re: Usage of &quot;were&quot; vs. &quot;was&quot;

Re: Usage of "were" vs. "was"