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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Correct english in military citation

I have an arguement with another Marine. We are writing awards and there is a mandatory sentence at the end of the citation. I believe the sentence is correct because of the plural past tense regarding the subject(s) he believes it should be singular. See Below:

SSgt Smith's outstanding motivation and dedication to duty reflected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine corps.

-or-

SSgt Smith's outstanding motivation and dedication to duty reflected credit upon him and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine corps.

I need a quick reply please!
  

Top answer

The fine staff sargeant showed two things: outstanding motivation AND dedication to duty. Those two things should use the plural form of the verb were . However, your friend may be thinking that for a Marine, motivation and dedication to duty are so closely linked as to be one thing, and therefore use the singular verb was.

— BarbaraPA

  • The fine staff sargeant showed two things: outstanding motivation AND dedication to duty.
  • Those two things should use the plural form of the verb were .
  • However, your friend may be thinking that for a Marine, motivation and dedication to duty are so closely linked as to be one thing, and therefore use the singular verb was.
  • )
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1 Answers
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The fine staff sargeant showed two things: outstanding motivation AND dedication to duty. Those two things should use the plural form of the verb were.

However, your friend may be thinking that for a Marine, motivation and dedication to duty are so closely linked as to be one thing, and therefore use the singular verb was.

(I agree with you -- even if they are linke
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