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Samwalker Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

don't/doesn't

If the staff doesn't/don't stop picking at each other, we won't meet our goals.
  

Top answer

Sticky question! I think it should be worded as "if the staff members don't stop picking at each other": that would solve the problem immediately. Otherwise, you have to decide if 'staff' is a collective noun (singular) or a bunch of individuals (plural).

— Philip

  • Sticky question!
  • I think it should be worded as "if the staff members don't stop picking at each other": that would solve the problem immediately.
  • Otherwise, you have to decide if 'staff' is a collective noun (singular) or a bunch of individuals (plural).
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4 Answers
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Sticky question! I think it should be worded as "if the staff members don't stop picking at each other": that would solve the problem immediately. Otherwise, you have to decide if 'staff' is a collective noun (singular) or a bunch of individuals (plural).
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Oh my ***... Rephrasing it didn't cross my mind. Emotion: smile
You're right.
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Hi Samwalker

If the staff doesn't/don't stop picking at each other, we won't meet our goals.

According to some grammarians 'each other' is used in relation to two people, whereas 'one another' is used when referring to more than two people. However, many writers use 'each other' when talking about more than two people.
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Yoong LiatAccording to some grammarians 'each other' is used in relation to two people, whereas 'one another' is used when referring to more than two people. However, many writers use 'each other' when talking about more than two people.
Hi,
and also, "one another" is used when there are only two people or things. So in the end they are interc
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