Approximate

Question

Again,

'Statistics (indicate) that (approximate) every 22 years-~~within a range of 3 to 4 years~~(major) drought (occurs) in the United States.'

The answer they gave me is A. Huh! I doubt it greatly this time!!!

They might think 'statistics' is singular. So 'indicate' has to be 'indicates'. But I don't think so. Both the singual form and plural form of 'statistics' are the same: statistics. And before 'statistics', there's no definite article. So it can't be plural. Therefore, 'indicate' is correct.

To the contrary, I think 'approximate' is incorrect. it should be 'approximately'. You see, if we reverse the clasue, it will be like this,
'Major drought occurs in the United States approximately every 22 years (within a range of 3 to 4 years).'

I am not sure, so I would like to have your verification.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

I concur. "indicate" is fine. "approximate" should be "approximately".

(However, I don't think you meant to write this:

"before 'statistics', there's no definite article. So it can't be plural.")

Anonymous · Answer

The word "statistic" does exist and it means a single item in a statistical study. The example sentence results in a mean value, so many items were involved in the study, so there were many statistics. Therefore, the subject can be considered to be plural. The sentence could be written:

Statistics ind

Statistics indicate that approximately every 22 years a major drought occurs in the United States.

Now if the intent is to refer to the science of statistics, then the subject would be singular. I guess we don't know the writer's intent, which is often the case.

Clive · Answer

every 22 years within a range of 3 to 4 years

This seems like odd and awkward phrasing to me. How about saying this?

every 18 to 26 years

Approximate

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