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Stenka25 Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

Can 'a list' be represented by plural pronoun?

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There is a sentence like the following.

It seems like 'them' represents 'a list.'

Can 'a list' be represented by plural pronoun 'them' ?

Is there any rule for this?

* Make a list of what you have to do, and put them in order with the most important at the top.
  

Top answer

Hi Stenka People may say what you have written in casual speech but them is not good English in this context. Put [the] things/items in order would be better. In British English it is very common to use a plural pronoun or verb to refer to a whole that consists of many people even though the actual subject is singular .

— Cool Breeze

  • Hi Stenka People may say what you have written in casual speech but them is not good English in this context.
  • Put [the] things/items in order would be better.
  • In British English it is very common to use a plural pronoun or verb to refer to a whole that consists of many people even though the actual subject is singular .
  • Some examples: England are winning the match.
  • The crew were on board.
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2 Answers
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Hi Stenka
People may say what you have written in casual speech but them is not good English in this context. Put [the] things/items in order would be better. In British English it is very common to use a plural pronoun or verb to refer to a whole that consists of many people even though the actual subject is singular. So
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North American English is very strict on this. If the subject is singular (as is list), then the verb must be singular.

An American therefore must say England IS winning and the crew (or team) IS on board.

mr steve
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