Navigating the complexities of English grammar can be challenging, especially when dealing with verbs that appear to be plural but actually require singular agreement. This phenomenon often arises with collective nouns, certain subjects ending in ‘-s,’ and specific titles or names.
Understanding these nuances is crucial for accurate and effective communication, both in writing and speech. This article provides a comprehensive guide to identifying and correctly using these tricky verbs, ensuring that your grammar remains impeccable.
Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply an English language enthusiast, mastering this aspect of grammar will significantly enhance your linguistic skills and confidence.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Verbs That Look Plural but Aren’t
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Verbs That Look Plural but Aren’t
Verbs that look plural but aren’t refer to instances where a noun or subject appears to be plural, leading to the incorrect assumption that a plural verb form is required. However, these nouns or subjects are treated as singular, necessitating the use of a singular verb. This grammatical phenomenon is often observed with collective nouns (e.g., team, family), subjects ending in ‘-s’ (e.g., mathematics, news), titles or names of works (e.g., The Lord of the Rings), and units of measurement (e.g., five dollars). The key to identifying these cases lies in understanding the context and whether the noun or subject is functioning as a single, unified entity or as a collection of individual components.
In essence, the grammatical number (singular or plural) of the subject dictates the form of the verb. When a subject, despite its appearance, is considered singular, the verb must agree by taking a singular form.
This agreement ensures grammatical correctness and clarity in communication. Recognizing and applying this rule is essential for constructing grammatically sound sentences and avoiding common errors.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of sentences involving verbs that look plural but aren’t follows a specific pattern: a subject that appears plural but functions as singular, followed by a singular verb. This structure is crucial for maintaining grammatical accuracy. The challenge lies in correctly identifying the subject and determining whether it should be treated as singular despite its plural appearance. For example, in the sentence “The team is playing well,” the subject “team” is a collective noun, and although it refers to multiple individuals, it functions as a single unit, thus requiring the singular verb “is.”
Identifying the true nature of the subject is paramount. Consider the following:
- Collective Nouns: These nouns represent a group of individuals or items as a single entity.
- Subjects Ending in ‘-s’: Some subjects, like academic disciplines or diseases, end in ‘-s’ but are singular.
- Titles and Names: Titles of books, movies, or organizations are treated as singular.
- Units of Measurement: Amounts of money, time, or distance can be considered singular.
Once the subject is correctly identified, the verb must be chosen to agree in number. A singular subject requires a singular verb form (e.g., is, has, does), while a plural subject requires a plural verb form (e.g., are, have, do). This agreement is a fundamental rule of English grammar.
Types and Categories
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to a group of people or things considered as a single unit. Examples include team, family, committee, group, audience, and government. The verb agreement with collective nouns depends on whether the group is acting as a single, unified entity or as individual members. If the group is acting as a unit, a singular verb is used. If the focus is on the individual members of the group, a plural verb can be used, although this is more common in British English than American English.
Subjects Ending in ‘-s’
Certain subjects that end in ‘-s’ are singular, despite their plural appearance. These typically include academic disciplines (e.g., mathematics, physics, economics), diseases (e.g., measles, mumps), and some other nouns (e.g., news). The verb agreement with these subjects is always singular. For instance, “Mathematics is my favorite subject” is correct, while “Mathematics are my favorite subject” is incorrect.
Titles and Names
Titles of books, movies, songs, and organizations are treated as singular, even if they contain plural words. For example, “The Lord of the Rings is a classic fantasy novel” is grammatically correct. Similarly, the name of an organization, even if it sounds plural, takes a singular verb, such as “General Motors is an American multinational corporation.”
Units of Measurement
Units of measurement, such as amounts of money, time, or distance, can be considered singular when they represent a single quantity or sum. For example, “Five dollars is too much to pay for that coffee” is correct because the five dollars is viewed as a single amount. However, if the focus is on the individual units, a plural verb might be appropriate, although less common. For example, “The five dollars were scattered on the table.”
Examples
Collective Nouns Examples
The following table illustrates the use of collective nouns with singular verbs. In each example, the collective noun is treated as a single entity performing a unified action.
Study these examples carefully to understand how collective nouns function grammatically.
| Collective Noun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Team | The team is practicing hard for the championship. |
| Family | The family is planning a vacation together. |
| Committee | The committee has reached a decision on the proposal. |
| Group | The group is working on a project. |
| Audience | The audience was captivated by the performance. |
| Government | The government is implementing new policies. |
| Class | The class is taking a field trip. |
| Army | The army is preparing for deployment. |
| Board | The board meets monthly to discuss company performance. |
| Choir | The choir sings beautifully. |
| Company | The company is launching a new product. |
| Crowd | The crowd is cheering loudly. |
| Jury | The jury has reached a verdict. |
| Orchestra | The orchestra is tuning their instruments. |
| Public | The public is demanding answers. |
| Staff | The staff is attending a training session. |
| Troupe | The dance troupe is rehearsing for the show. |
| Band | The band is playing at the concert tonight. |
| Congregation | The congregation is listening to the sermon. |
| Council | The council is discussing new regulations. |
| Firm | The law firm is representing the client. |
| Gang | The gang is known for their disruptive behavior. |
| Navy | The navy is patrolling the coast. |
| Panel | The panel is reviewing the applications. |
Subjects Ending in ‘-s’ Examples
The following table provides examples of subjects ending in ‘-s’ that are considered singular and require singular verb forms. Pay close attention to how these subjects function in the sentences and the corresponding verb agreement.
| Subject Ending in ‘-s’ | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Mathematics is a challenging subject for many students. |
| Physics | Physics is essential for understanding the universe. |
| Economics | Economics is a social science. |
| Politics | Politics is often a controversial topic. |
| Measles | Measles is a contagious disease. |
| Mumps | Mumps is preventable with vaccination. |
| News | The news is reporting on the latest events. |
| Aesthetics | Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy dealing with beauty. |
| Ethics | Ethics is a crucial aspect of professional conduct. |
| Linguistics | Linguistics is the scientific study of language. |
| Thermodynamics | Thermodynamics is a branch of physics. |
| Statistics | Statistics is used in many fields. |
| Diabetes | Diabetes is a chronic disease. |
| Herpes | Herpes is a viral infection. |
| Rickets | Rickets is a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency. |
| Billiards | Billiards is a game of skill and precision. |
| Darts | Darts is a popular pub game. |
| Dominoes | Dominoes is a game played with rectangular tiles. |
| Headquarters | The company headquarters is located in New York. |
| Crossroads | The crossroads is often a dangerous place. |
| Gallows | The gallows was used for executions. |
| Shambles | The project is in a shambles. |
Titles and Names Examples
The following table showcases how titles of works and names of organizations are treated as singular, regardless of their internal plural forms. Understanding this rule is essential for correctly conjugating verbs in sentences involving such titles and names.
| Title/Name | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| The Lord of the Rings | The Lord of the Rings is a classic fantasy novel. |
| General Motors | General Motors is an American multinational corporation. |
| Friends | Friends is a popular television series. |
| Star Wars | Star Wars is a science fiction franchise. |
| The Avengers | The Avengers is a superhero movie. |
| Guns N’ Roses | Guns N’ Roses is a famous rock band. |
| Led Zeppelin | Led Zeppelin is a legendary band. |
| The Rolling Stones | The Rolling Stones is still touring. |
| United Nations | The United Nations is an international organization. |
| War and Peace | War and Peace is a long novel. |
| Pride and Prejudice | Pride and Prejudice is a beloved novel. |
| Alice in Chains | Alice in Chains is a grunge band. |
| The Sisterhood | The Sisterhood is a local charity. |
| The Killers | The Killers is an alternative rock band. |
| New Kids on the Block | New Kids on the Block is a boy band. |
| Simon & Garfunkel | Simon & Garfunkel was a successful duo. |
| Hall & Oates | Hall & Oates is a popular duo. |
| The Smashing Pumpkins | The Smashing Pumpkins is an American rock band. |
| The Postal Service | The Postal Service is an electronic band. |
| The White Stripes | The White Stripes was a duo. |
Units of Measurement Examples
The following table illustrates how units of measurement are often treated as singular, especially when referring to a sum or total amount. Note that the context can sometimes influence whether a singular or plural verb is more appropriate.
| Unit of Measurement | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Five dollars | Five dollars is too much to pay for that coffee. |
| Ten miles | Ten miles is a long distance to walk. |
| Two hours | Two hours is not enough time to finish the exam. |
| Fifty kilograms | Fifty kilograms is the maximum weight allowed on the flight. |
| One hundred dollars | One hundred dollars is a generous donation. |
| Three weeks | Three weeks is the duration of the training program. |
| Twenty years | Twenty years is a significant amount of time. |
| A thousand dollars | A thousand dollars is a lot of money for a student. |
| Fifteen minutes | Fifteen minutes is all I need to explain the concept. |
| Four gallons | Four gallons is how much water the tank holds. |
| Six feet | Six feet is the minimum height requirement for the ride. |
| Seventy degrees | Seventy degrees is a comfortable temperature. |
| Eighty percent | Eighty percent is a high score. |
| A million dollars | A million dollars is his goal. |
| Sixty seconds | Sixty seconds is all it takes to load the program. |
| Five liters | Five liters is the capacity of the container. |
| Nine inches | Nine inches is the length of the knife. |
| Twelve ounces | Twelve ounces is the serving size. |
| Four hundred pages | Four hundred pages is a lot to read in one night. |
| A couple of days | A couple of days is enough time to relax. |
Usage Rules
The usage of verbs with subjects that appear plural but aren’t is governed by several key rules. First, always identify the true subject of the sentence. This might not always be the noun that immediately precedes the verb. Second, determine whether the subject is functioning as a single unit or as individual components. Collective nouns, for example, can be treated as singular or plural depending on this distinction. Third, ensure that the verb agrees in number with the subject. A singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.
Exceptions and Special Cases:
- British vs. American English: In British English, collective nouns are more frequently treated as plural, especially when emphasizing the individual members of the group. In American English, they are generally treated as singular.
- Contextual Clues: The context of the sentence can influence verb agreement. If the sentence emphasizes the individual actions or characteristics of the members of a group, a plural verb might be appropriate, even in American English.
- Compound Subjects: When a subject consists of two or more nouns joined by “and,” it is generally considered plural and requires a plural verb. However, if the nouns refer to a single entity or idea, a singular verb is used.
For example, “Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich” uses a singular verb because peanut butter and jelly are viewed as a single combination. However, “Peanut butter and jelly are on the shopping list” uses a plural verb because they are being considered as separate items.
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is using a plural verb with collective nouns when they are intended to be treated as a single unit. For example, saying “The team are playing well” (in American English) is incorrect; the correct form is “The team is playing well.” Another frequent error is using a plural verb with subjects ending in ‘-s’ that are singular, such as “Mathematics are difficult” instead of “Mathematics is difficult.”
Examples of Correct vs. Incorrect Usage:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The family are deciding on their vacation plans. | The family is deciding on its vacation plans. | “Family” is treated as a single unit in American English. |
| Economics are an important subject. | Economics is an important subject. | “Economics” is a singular subject. |
| The Lord of the Rings are a great movie. | The Lord of the Rings is a great movie. | Titles are treated as singular. |
| Five dollars are on the table. | Five dollars is on the table. | “Five dollars” is considered a single amount. |
| The committee have different opinions. | The committee has different opinions. | “Committee” should be treated as a single unit in this context. |
| The news are shocking. | The news is shocking. | “News” is a singular noun. |
| Physics are a difficult subject. | Physics is a difficult subject. | “Physics” is a singular subject. |
| Statistics are confusing. | Statistics is confusing. | “Statistics” is a singular subject in this context. |
Avoiding these mistakes requires careful attention to the subject of the sentence and a clear understanding of whether it is functioning as a singular or plural entity. Always double-check verb agreement to ensure grammatical correctness.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Identifying Correct Verb Forms
Choose the correct verb form in each of the following sentences.
| Question | Answer Choices | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| The team (is/are) playing well. | a) is, b) are | a) is |
| Mathematics (is/are) my favorite subject. | a) is, b) are | a) is |
| The Lord of the Rings (is/are) a great book. | a) is, b) are | a) is |
| Five dollars (is/are) too much to pay. | a) is, b) are | a) is |
| The committee (has/have) reached a decision. | a) has, b) have | a) has |
| The news (is/are) shocking. | a) is, b) are | a) is |
| The family (is/are) planning a trip. | a) is, b) are | a) is |
| Economics (is/are) a social science. | a) is, b) are | a) is |
| The government (is/are) implementing new policies. | a) is, b) are | a) is |
| The audience (was/were) captivated by the performance. | a) was, b) were | a) was |
Exercise 2: Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| The group ________ (is/are) working on a project. | is |
| Physics ________ (is/are) a fundamental science. | is |
| Friends ________ (is/are) a popular TV show. | is |
| Ten miles ________ (is/are) a long way to run. | is |
| The jury ________ (has/have) reached a verdict. | has |
| The staff ________ (is/are) attending a meeting. | is |
| Politics ________ (is/are) often a topic of debate. | is |
| The United Nations ________ (is/are) an important organization. | is |
| A thousand dollars ________ (is/are) a lot of money. | is |
| The band ________ (is/are) playing tonight. | is |
Exercise 3: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Incorrect Sentence | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|
| The team are practicing hard. | The team is practicing hard. |
| Mathematics are difficult for me. | Mathematics is difficult for me. |
| The Lord of the Rings are my favorite movie. | The Lord of the Rings is my favorite movie. |
| Five dollars are on the table. | Five dollars is on the table. |
| The committee have made their decision. | The committee has made its decision. |
| The news are very concerning. | The news is very concerning. |
| The family are going on vacation. | The family is going on vacation. |
| Economics are a required course. | Economics is a required course. |
| The government are announcing new policies. | The government is announcing new policies. |
| The audience were impressed by the show. | The audience was impressed by the show. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of collective noun agreement in different dialects of English is essential. As mentioned earlier, British English often treats collective nouns as plural more frequently than American English.
This can lead to subtle differences in sentence construction and verb agreement. Furthermore, exploring the historical evolution of these grammatical rules can provide a deeper understanding of why certain subjects are treated as singular despite their plural appearance.
Delving into linguistic theories related to number agreement and grammatical concord can also offer valuable insights into the complexities of English grammar.
Another advanced topic involves the use of relative clauses and their impact on verb agreement. When a relative clause modifies a subject that looks plural but isn’t, the verb in the relative clause must also agree with the subject. For example, “The book, which is a collection of short stories, is very popular” demonstrates the correct verb agreement in the relative clause (“which is a collection of short stories“).
FAQ
- Why do some nouns ending in ‘-s’ take singular verbs?
Nouns like mathematics, physics, and news are derived from singular concepts or fields of study, even though they have a plural form. They are treated as singular because they represent a single, unified idea or entity.
- How do I know when to use a singular or plural verb with a collective noun?
Consider whether the collective noun is acting as a single unit or as individual members. If it’s acting as a unit, use a singular verb. If the focus is on the individual members, a plural verb can be used, especially in British English.
- Are there any exceptions to the rule that titles take singular verbs?
Generally, titles are treated as singular. However, if the title refers to multiple distinct entities, a plural verb might be appropriate, although this is rare. For example, “The Brothers Karamazov are a complex set of characters” might be acceptable if focusing on the individual brothers.
- What’s the difference between British and American English regarding collective nouns?
British English tends to treat collective nouns as plural more often than American English. In British English, it’s more common to say “The team are playing well,” while in American English, “The team is playing well” is preferred.
- Can units of measurement ever take plural verbs?
Yes, if the focus is on the individual units rather than the total amount, a plural verb can be used. For example, “The five dollars were scattered on the table” emphasizes the individual dollar bills.
- What if a collective noun is followed by an “of” phrase with a plural noun?
The verb agreement still depends on the collective noun, not the noun in the “of” phrase. For example, “The group of students is working on a project” uses a singular verb because “group” is the subject.
- How does the presence of a modifying clause affect verb agreement?
The verb in the main clause must agree with the main subject, regardless of any modifying clauses. For example, “The book, which contains many stories, is interesting” uses a singular verb because “book” is the main subject.
- What are some other examples of tricky nouns that look plural but aren’t?
Other examples include certain games (e.g., billiards, darts), some diseases (e.g., measles, mumps), and compound nouns that function as singular units (e.g., headquarters).
Conclusion
Mastering the use of verbs that look plural but aren’t is essential for achieving grammatical accuracy and clarity in English. By understanding the nuances of collective nouns, subjects ending in ‘-s,’ titles, and units of measurement, you can avoid common errors and communicate more effectively.
Remember to always identify the true subject of the sentence and determine whether it is functioning as a single unit or as individual components. Pay attention to contextual clues and be aware of the differences between British and American English usage.
Continued practice and attention to detail will solidify your understanding of these grammatical rules, allowing you to write and speak with confidence.
The key takeaways from this article include the importance of recognizing collective nouns and their context-dependent verb agreement, understanding that certain subjects ending in ‘-s’ are singular, and knowing that titles and names are generally treated as singular. By applying these principles and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your English grammar skills and enhance your overall communication abilities.
Always double-check your work and seek feedback to refine your understanding and avoid common mistakes. Happy learning!