Search results for 'tag:Verbs tag:Singular verbs' matching tags 'Verbs' and 'Singular verbs'

Re: Go/Goes

Cool Breeze — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:16:32 GMT

Anonymous
Hi,

"In her will, it was requested that most of her estate go to animal charities"

You are talking about property, not anything countable, and therefore a singular verb is needed: Most of her estate goes to animal charities. If the reference were to something countable, a plural verb would be needed: Most of these books are interesting. Most of those boys know the answer. Most of them are happy. But: Most of it is easy.

Re: One or two

Goodman — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:55:35 GMT

Abil,
Yes, you are correct in "formal" usage.
This may help clear any doubts:

http://crofsblogs.typepad.com/english/2005/02/neither_or_eith.html

Laura asks:
How about using "neither" versus "either"? I transcribe for doctors, and this is one rule I just can't get straight in my head.
I need to figure out a way to remember which to use when, because some of the docs use them indiscriminately.

Great question!

"Either" and "neither" are both singular adjectives meaning "one or the other of two." "Neither" of course means "not the first
one and not the second one."In formal writing, we usually use a singular verb because "either" and "neither" signal that one of the following
nouns is the subject, but not both:

Either Bill or Bob is going to the conference. (One or the other is going, but not both.)
Neither Joan nor Jane likes sushi. (= Joan doesn't like sushi. Jane doesn't like sushi either!)

Notice that we say "either...or" and "neither...nor." In informal English, most people would say "Neither Joan OR Jane LIKE sushi." That's
all right in conversation, but in formal documents you should prefer the formal usage.

Of course we have a confusing exception to this rule. You can use a plural verb if you have a plural noun next to the verb:
Either Joan or the Kennedys are going to the conference.

But put the singular noun closer to the verb, and it goes back to singular!
Either the Kennedys or Joan is going to the conference.

And it's the same with "neither":
Neither Jane nor her brothers like sushi.
Neither her brothers nor Jane likes sushi.

Of course the verb will be plural if both nouns are plural:
Either the Smiths or the Robinsons are meeting us at the station.
Neither the Canadians nor the Americans are interested in this problem.

Re: numbers

Philip — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:03:20 GMT

1) You are correct. [an amount of $10 has been stolen from my purse]

2) A percentage of those
Now, about the verb. You'll get differing views. A percentage requires a singular verb, logically. However, because of the proximity of those, a plural verb simply sounds better. Take your pick: technically correct or the better sound.

Re: has to be, have to be

CalifJim — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 03:13:31 GMT

The language seems to be undergoing a change in the agreement rules for there constructions.

In casual speech the singular verb seems to satisfy many people, no matter what follows! (Compare hay in Spanish -- there is/are -- always singular.)

I'm guilty of the same, especially with contracted there's.

There's tons of them just like it in the suburbs.

There's cookies and cake in the kitchen if anyone wants a snack.

There's plenty of ways to do it if you just try.

Go figure.

Re: monitoring the quake lake situation

Grammar Geek — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:02:42 GMT

Police is never singular.

In the US, we tend to use the singular verb for these collective nouns: company, team, staff, jury. Only when we want to talk about them as individuals do we use the plural. I've noticed that other places are more likely to use the plural verb for government or company.

Re: a plurality of +V.

Mister Micawber — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:06:18 GMT

.
It seems an awkward word choice here, and I would avoid it except for its more standard uses (as in vote counting). However, I suppose that where it means 'a number of' it would take a plural verb, and where it means 'the number of', it would take a singular verb.

Re: The way

Liveinjapan — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:44:05 GMT

New2grammar
the singular what.

Hi, New2

I think when what and who function as subjects, a singular verb follows.

It's just my opinion.

Re: "I would be surprised..."

Yoong Liat — Sat, 17 May 2008 18:17:52 GMT

more than one is plural in meaning but singular in form, and takes a singular verb.

(The Right Word at the Right Time)

Re: grammar questions

Clive — Sat, 17 May 2008 14:26:32 GMT

Hi,

(1) Professor Beverly Keever of the School of Communications at the University of Hawaii told us there is an inverse relationship to what is considered news and what is important.

Should "that" be inserted before "there is an..." Please advise It's optional. Instead of 'to what', I'd say 'between'.

(2) Speaking opportunity range from public forums organized by politicians to TV programs to elementary school presentations.

Should it be ranges or range? A singular subject needs a singular verb. However, the sentence really needs to say

Speaking opportunities range from public forums organized by politicians to TV programs to elementary school presentations.

Best wishes, Clive

am i right

anapam — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:03:32 GMT

i am confused on this line.. is it correct form of subject verb agreement?

India is one of the foremost country in the third world.

Some one says it should be

India is one of the foremost countries in the third world.

Singular subject should have singular verbs... why the second one is correct according to my friend.