By Singular verbs, British English

Sometimes (particularly in British English) we can vary whether we use the singular or plural verb in these cases. It can change the meaning though. Remember that the singular verb is used when we are thinking of the group as a whole single entity. The plural verb can be used when we are thinking...

Hi Awence,yes, you can say "a drug", or "several drugs". With plurals you use a plural verb in those kinds of structures:Some of the drugs are dangerous. One half of the drugs are dangerous. Fifty percent of the drugs are dangerous. MrP's example was different... It shows...

I think it is correct but more likely to be seen and heard in England than the United States.The rule is:"...when the group is considered as a unit, the singular verb is used; when it is thought of as a collection of individuals, the plural verb is used. All grammarians and usage commentators...

Ruslana wrote: Goodman wrote:Neither the letters nor the memo (was) on your desk. Neither/ either/ any/ someone etc.....always takes on the singular verb formNeither is paired with nor as either is with or, and in those uses as conjunctions they pose usage...

Goodman wrote:Neither the letters nor the memo (was) on your desk. Neither/ either/ any/ someone etc.....always takes on the singular verb form Neither is paired with nor as either is with or, and in those uses as conjunctions they pose usage problems of agreement. Usually they will take a...

First of all, the verb phrase "was/were hurt" refers to none of the officers. Shooting is a subject of the first clause, so don't worry about it. None of the officers should be followed by a singular verb in a formal style in British English, i.e. ...but none of the officers was hurt. However,...

1. Use of present perfect tense and simple past tense Speakers of American English generally use the present perfect tense (have/has + past participle) far less than speakers of British English. In spoken American English it is very common to use the simple past tense as an alternative in...

You are quite definitely right. British Coal is a firm and as such is singular so obviously the verb should be singular. You should always use a singular verb with a collective noun. No-one would dream of writing The Bank of England are increasing the rate of interest. At least, I hope no-one...