grammar problem---a sentence from a fact sheet

Hello Alexacao, welcome to English Forums!

The subject of "is" is "The full energy savings"; and I always use a plural verb with "savings"; so yes, it looks wrong to me.

I'd be interested to know if other members use a singular verb with "savings".

MrP

I've been puzzling over this one all afternoon and keep changing my mind.

Yes, 'is' sounds wrong with 'savings'.

However, it seems likely that 'full energy savings' is a single figure - and it just happens to have a plural title, in the way that often occurs. So in that case, 'is' sounds ok.

[:^)]

Hmmm. I don't see any reason to agonize over plurality here. To me the full energy savings is only one entity -- a certain monetary amount, so the ... savings ... is not included in the prices ... What would the plurality be that could be included (but isn't) in something like prices? Could we include only one saving in the price?

CJ

CalifJimHmmm. I don't see any reason to agonize over plurality here. To me the full energy savings is only one entity -- a certain monetary amount, so the ... savings ... is not included in the prices ... What would the plurality be that could be included (but isn't) in something like prices? Could we include only one saving in the price?

CJ

Here is an interesting usage note about 'saving' vs 'savings':

"Traditionalists state that one should use the form a saving when referring to an amount of money that is saved. Indeed, that is the form English speakers outside of the United States normally use. In the United States the plural form a savings is widely used with a singular verb (as in A savings of $50

In the United States the plural form a savings is widely used with a singular verb

Thank you, Yankee! I had no idea.

I also agree with Nona's point:

However, it seems likely that 'full energy savings' is a single figure - and it just happens to have a plural title, in the way that often occurs. So in that case, 'is'

nonetheless, 57 percent of the Usage Panel find it unacceptable

Oof! Yu-saje pinelle? Eet eez to scofe. Eet eez to lahff.

Umm, interesting (and confusing) question...
My dictionaries say nothing about "savings", so I wonder if you would say:

My savings are safe now or
My savings is safe now.

My dictionaries say it's plural, so I thought a plural verb was ok...
Thanks.

I couldn't resist the discussion so I went to do some searching...

Goodman...both forms are now Standard.

(Though not in BrE, I think.)

MrP