0
Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
A few grammar points I'm trying to verify
Hello anyone and everyone, here are some grammar points I'm am making sure of.
If I say:
1. Some of the fruit are ripe.
It would be correct, not because of the word fruit, but because 'some' indicates more than one and therefore the 'be' verb is plural (thus, 'are').
2. Most of the group want to leave early.
This would be correct, because even though it's a single group, 'most' indicates more than one, yes? Or, should I use the subject that is closest to the verb (to be), making it "wants" instead?
3. There is one pen and five pencils on the desk.
I think with this one there are differing rules, but again as the 'be' verb is closest to the subject that is singular, 'be' is 'is', not 'are.' Correct or otherwise acceptable?
4. Neither of my children are friendly.
Would the word neither be used to imply single, or plural? In which case it would be 'is.' I'm confused.
5. After I graduate from university, I want to be a businessman.
I assume no capital 'u' because it's not a title.
Thanks for any feedback!
If I say:
1. Some of the fruit are ripe.
It would be correct, not because of the word fruit, but because 'some' indicates more than one and therefore the 'be' verb is plural (thus, 'are').
2. Most of the group want to leave early.
This would be correct, because even though it's a single group, 'most' indicates more than one, yes? Or, should I use the subject that is closest to the verb (to be), making it "wants" instead?
3. There is one pen and five pencils on the desk.
I think with this one there are differing rules, but again as the 'be' verb is closest to the subject that is singular, 'be' is 'is', not 'are.' Correct or otherwise acceptable?
4. Neither of my children are friendly.
Would the word neither be used to imply single, or plural? In which case it would be 'is.' I'm confused.
5. After I graduate from university, I want to be a businessman.
I assume no capital 'u' because it's not a title.
Thanks for any feedback!
Top answer
Anonymous 1. Some of the fruit are ripe. It would be correct, not because of the word fruit, but because 'some' indicates more than one and therefore the 'be' verb is plural (thus, 'are').
- Anonymous 1.
- Some of the fruit are ripe.
- It would be correct, not because of the word fruit, but because 'some' indicates more than one and therefore the 'be' verb is plural (thus, 'are').
- The underlined part is wrong.
- If the of phrase has an uncountable noun like 'fruit', some does not indicate more than one; it indicates an indefinite amount of.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
2 Answers
0
Anonymous1. Some of the fruit are ripe.The underlined part is wrong. If the of phrase has an uncountable noun like 'fruit', some does not indicate more than one; it indicates an inde
It would be correct, not because of the word fruit, but because 'some' indicates more than one and therefore the 'be' verb is plural (thus, 'are').
00
I was the person who posted this question (as anonymous), just signed up for this username and saying thanks, it's been helpful. Will come back with more ideas in time!
0
Related Questions