"a series of" is or are?

Question

Hello,Would like to know the rules governing the type of collective nouns such as "series." Especially in the phrase "a series of" + plural noun, what should the verb's number?Would also appreciate if you can cite some grammar authorities I can refer to. Many thanks in advance!

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

AnonymousEspecially in the phrase "a series of" + plural noun, what should the verb's number?

Singular.

Anonymousould also appreciate if you can cite some grammar authorities I can refer to.

That's what we are. However, this from The American Heritage Dictionary:

Usage Note:
'Series' is both a singular and a plural form. When it has the singular sense of "one set," it takes a singular verb, even when series is followed by 'of' and a plural noun: 'A series of lectures is scheduled.' When it has the plural sense of "two or more sets," it takes a plural verb: 'Two series of lectures are scheduled: one for experts and one for laypeople.'

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks, Mister Micawber.

Saw this sentence from the 15th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style:

"A series of pitches are joined by en dashes."

Your thoughts, please.

Mister Micawber · Answer

Wrongly phrased, and the CMoS has been hoist with its own petard.  Because the 'joining' must be done between the multiple 'pitches', not the single 'series', the writer was forced into using 'are' without realizing that s/he has then violated the S-V accord.  The sentence should have been recast entirely.

Anonymous · Answer

Whoa, quite a realization for me. Used to regard the CMoS highly

One last thing, Mister Micawber. I gather the preference toward singular verbs in these cases is American English and the plural verbs British English. Do you agree?

Mister Micawber · Answer

Anonymous I gather the preference toward singular verbs in these cases is American English and the plural verbs British English.

That has not been brought up in this thread. Some have trans-Atlantic differences ('team' being the most commonly questioned here) but I don't think that trend is very general among collective nouns, overall.

Anonymous · Answer

Will take note of these, Mister Micawber. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise.

"a series of" is or are?

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