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Hrb Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Has or Have

Hi I am confused with the use of Has or Have with the word Government. I have seen both beeing used but not sure which one is correct.

Government has/have?

Governments have/has?

Thanks and happy holidays,
  

Top answer

As far as I know, both "has" and "have" are acceptable, depending on whether you treat "Government" as a singular noun or as a plural one. When you think of the Government as a single entity, something integrated and indivisible, then it is singular: The US government has a new website . If you refer to the Government as a group of individuals, a number of independent members, not consituting a unity, then probably it's a good idea to use it with a plural verb: The Government still have opposing views on the bill .

— Vchekh

  • As far as I know, both "has" and "have" are acceptable, depending on whether you treat "Government" as a singular noun or as a plural one.
  • When you think of the Government as a single entity, something integrated and indivisible, then it is singular: The US government has a new website .
  • If you refer to the Government as a group of individuals, a number of independent members, not consituting a unity, then probably it's a good idea to use it with a plural verb: The Government still have opposing views on the bill .
  • My rule of the thumb is: When you can replace "the Government" with "the members of the Government", use a plural verb.
  • Otherwise, use a singular one.
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2 Answers
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As far as I know, both "has" and "have" are acceptable, depending on whether you treat "Government" as a singular noun or as a plural one. When you think of the Government as a single entity, something integrated and indivisible, then it is singular: The US government has a new website.

If you refer to the Government as a group of individuals, a number of independent members
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Government has ....

Governments have ....

But speaking of a particular government, you will find these:

The government has .... AmE

The government have ... BrE

CJ
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