[etni] Fw: re: question
- From: "Ask" <ask@xxxxxxxx>
- To: "Etni" <etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2007 08:30:23 +0200
----- Original Message -----
From: "Eitan Levy" <moranl@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: question
Both "is" and "are" are correct - it depends on what you are referring to:
"singular when unity (a unit) is intended; plural when the idea of
plurality is predominant" (Eric Partridge "English Usage" in the
entry Collective Nouns) Thus, the police is an important arm of law
enforcement, the police are combing the area for the suspect.
Partridge notes that American writers are reluctant to pluralize
collective nouns.
Fowler's "Modern English Usage" (not so modern, 1965 edition, but
written many years before) devotes a page to this (see entry "Number
6") but basically says what Partridge says
Both the above books are classics but a bit outdated.
The more recent "The Oxford Guide to the English Language" notes
that "the singular verb and pronouns are preferable unless the
collective is clearly and unmistakeably used to refer to separate
individuals rather than to a united body"
The important thing is not to mix plural and singular:
The police is an important arm ...... Unfortunately it is
understaffed. (NOT "they are")
The police are combing ..... They are tired.
Hope this helps.
Eitan Levy
Adi wrote:
>I need a proven, source- based answer for this one please: is it the Police
>is...., or the Police are. I thought "is" since it seems like another one
>of
>those collective nouns, but i've seen texts that use both. I have a student
>pressing on this one, so any proof one way or another will be
>appreicated...
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