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PreciousJones Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Days

I'm talking about a trip to South America. I say:

Four days aren't enough. Or

Four days isn't enough.

Please proofread! Thank you!
  

Top answer

Both are used. I'd say "isn't". I think of it as one sequence of four days, so my brain tells me it's singular.

— CalifJim

  • Both are used.
  • I'd say "isn't".
  • I think of it as one sequence of four days, so my brain tells me it's singular.
  • CJ
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12 Answers
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Both are used. I'd say "isn't". I think of it as one sequence of four days, so my brain tells me it's singular. Emotion: smile

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I agree with CJ. However, “isn’t” is more informal. You can also say “A four-day trip just isn’t enough.”
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Word warrior23However, “isn’t” is more informal.
I don't think it is. It's just a different way of looking at it.
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Look at it as

(A period of) four days isn't enough.
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Huh. Saying "isn't" would never have occurred to me! Odd. Emotion: smile Would "aren't" sound wrong to you?
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Leah SSaying "isn't" would never have occurred to me!
How about:

$25 is a lot to pay for a hamburger.
Three miles isn't far to walk.

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Leah SWould "aren't" sound wrong to you?
Not in the original sentence. It would in my two sentences above.
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"Are" would be ridiculous in those two, I agree. Maybe it's to do with the complete distinction of four individual days in my mind.
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fivejedjon Word warrior23However, “isn’t” is more informal.
Well, I wouldn't write that way in a formal letter.
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Word warrior23 fivejedjon Word warrior23However, “isn’t” is more informal.Well, I wouldn't write that way in a formal letter.
I would. It's natural and correct.
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Word warrior23wouldn't write that way in a formal letter
But you could; it would be fine in a formal letter as "Four days is not enough".

CJ
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