0
Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
Grammar
Hi,
I read a review on the Internet that contains a sentence I thought to be incorrect but I was told it was correct. I cannot understand why it is so as it contains a plural noun and a singular verb. Could you please explain me the grammar rule behind it. Thank you.
The sentence in question is as follows:
"His readings of The Beastie Boys, Vanilla Ice, and Eminem as variously problematic vis-a-vis these regimes helps White position white cultural borrowing of black masculine tropes alongside variously problematic black performances."
In my understanding "readings" and "helps" are subject and predicate in this sentence, yet one is plural the other is singular. Why are they still correct?
Thanks so much.
Eve, a non-native
I read a review on the Internet that contains a sentence I thought to be incorrect but I was told it was correct. I cannot understand why it is so as it contains a plural noun and a singular verb. Could you please explain me the grammar rule behind it. Thank you.
The sentence in question is as follows:
"His readings of The Beastie Boys, Vanilla Ice, and Eminem as variously problematic vis-a-vis these regimes helps White position white cultural borrowing of black masculine tropes alongside variously problematic black performances."
In my understanding "readings" and "helps" are subject and predicate in this sentence, yet one is plural the other is singular. Why are they still correct?
Thanks so much.
Eve, a non-native
Top answer
Hi Eve. I am a native speaker but not a grammar expert. I would say that it should be "help" and not "helps" for the reason that you give.
- Hi Eve.
- I am a native speaker but not a grammar expert.
- I would say that it should be "help" and not "helps" for the reason that you give.
- I wonder whether the person saying that it is correct saw "readings of x, y and z" as something grouped together and therefore singular.
- If this is the case, the original text would be correct.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
2 Answers
0
Hi Eve. I am a native speaker but not a grammar expert. I would say that it should be "help" and not "helps" for the reason that you give. I wonder whether the person saying that it is correct saw "readings of x, y and z" as something grouped together and therefore singular. If this is the case, the original text would be correct. I think it may be open to interpretation, but perhaps someone with
00
AnonymousWhy are they still correct?Hmm. I agree with you. I don't know why you were told this was correct.
CJ
0
Related Questions