Question

#1 In his old age, a person is likely to get weaker day by day.

My answer: In ones old age, a person is likely to get weaker day by day.

But Book says his is correct here. Why? here we are talking in general sense so it should be one here.

#2 He served as the president/president of the Lions Club.

#3 Due to a heavy work in the office I was unable to catch the five thirty train.

I didn't get the use of article "a" here. Can't we just say "due to heavy work......."

#4 Hari was appointed leader (or the leader) of a group of young social workers that have/has accepted to help and develop the village in three months.

I think it should be "the leader" here as we are talking a about leader of a particular organization.

What is the subject in second part "a group" or "young social workers"?

Thank You

Clive · Accepted Answer

You have asked a lot of questions, so I will answer briefly and quickly.

#1 In his old age, a person is likely to get weaker day by day.

My answer: In ones old age, a person is likely to get weaker day by day.

But Book says his is correct here. Why? here we are talking in general sense so it should be one here.

The book wants
In one's old age, one is likely to get weaker day by day.

#2 He served as the president/President of the Lions Club. With no article, itt becomes a title, so use a capital.

#3 Due to a heavy work load in the office I was unable to catch the five thirty train.

I didn't get the use of article "a" here. Can't we just say "due to heavy work......." We speak of a work load.

#4 Hari was appointed leader (or the leader) of a group of young social workers that have/has agreed ~~accepted~~ to help and develop the village in three months.

I think it should be "the leader" here as we are talking a about leader of a particular organization. Both are OK

What is the subject in second part "a group" or "young social workers"? Can be either.

Taruns1008 · Answer

CliveHe served as the president/President of the Lions Club. With no article, itt becomes a title, so use a capital.

There is a rule saying "President is http://grammarist.com/capitalization/ when it comes immediately before the name of a president of a country. It is not capitalized when it refers to a president but does not immediately precede the name."

So my question remain same what should be there "the president" or "president".

Clive#4 Hari was appointed leader (or the leader) of a group of young social workers that have/has accepted to help and develop the village in three months.I think it should be "the leader" here as we are talking a about leader of a particular organization. Both are OK

Here I am still confuse.

Clive · Answer

Where did you get that rule? Nobody told me!

a group of young social workers can be thought of as a group (singular) or with the focus on the people. (plural).
Another example is eg 'a team of soccer players', eg a company.

You're welcome.

CalifJim · Answer

taruns1008The book says 'his' is correct here. Why?

The grammar rule that says the masculine pronouns can and should be used to stand for both men and women, boys and girls, is becoming old-fashioned, but some schools still teach it as the only proper pronoun in this situation.

taruns1008He served as the president/president of the Lions Club.

Roles (like 'president') can appear without articles. In this case both ways are correct, but if this is a test question, your teachers may want you to choose 'president' without an article just to show that you know this rule.

taruns1008Due to a heavy work in the office I was unable to catch the five thirty train.

"a" is wrong.

taruns1008Hari was appointed leader (or the leader) of a group of ...

As with the example 'president' above, just 'leader' (without 'the') is most likely the expected answer.

taruns1008a group of young social workers that have/has accepted ...

Both are correct. I'm inclined to say that the workers have accepted this challenge rather than the group as a whole.

See http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/39838/is-group-singular-or-plural for more discussion of subject-verb agreement with "group".

taruns1008accepted to help and develop

"accept" does not normally take an infinitive as a complement. "accepted the challenge of helping and developing" might be one better way of rephrasing. Other ways may also be possible.

CJ

Taruns1008 · Answer

CliveWhere did you get that rule? Nobody told me!

http://blog.esllibrary.com/2012/11/01/when-do-we-capitalize-president/

Clive · Answer

There are so many exceptions that I wouldn't call that a rule at all. At best, I'd say  it is a guideline.

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