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Fireflysaigon Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Billions of dollars (spend) ...

Could somebody help me with this question?

Billions of dollars (spend)______________ on advertising every year.
My answer is "are spent" not "is spent" because the subject here denotes plural meaning "billions".
Thanks for enlightening me.
  

Top answer

I think both are correct, as you may think of "billions of dollars" as the sum/amount. A large sum/amount is spent. Billions are/is spent.

— Avangi

  • I think both are correct, as you may think of "billions of dollars" as the sum/amount.
  • A large sum/amount is spent.
  • Billions are/is spent.
  • Others may disagree.
  • "Are" wins the Google prize, five to one!
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6 Answers
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I think both are correct, as you may think of "billions of dollars" as the sum/amount.

A large sum/amount is spent. Billions are/is spent.

Others may disagree.

"Are" wins the Google prize, five to one!

"billions of dollars are" 15,800,000
"billions of dollars is" 3,540,000
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Hi, Avangi!
I disagree. My point is that "Billions of dollars" here means "plural", not like "Five thousand dollars is spent on his study fee every year". Could you tell me more?
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I'm probably wrong. In most of the "is" hits, "billions" is not even the subject of the verb.

Yes, I'm inclined to agree with your point. There definitely is a difference.
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Hi, Avangi!
So, you mean that "Billions of dollars are spent.." is a correct opt. How about "Billions of dollars is spent..."? Is it a wrong choice here? Many thanks for your prompt answer.
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I can't guarantee what your teacher will say, but I'd call the plural verb definitely correct, and I'd recommend against the singular verb.
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Avangi! I really appreciate your answer. Hope to see you sometimes.
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