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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

has or have?

is this sentence correct?

"The fifth generation of leaders have degrees and advanced degrees.
or
"The fifth generation of leaders has degrees and advanced degrees."
  

Top answer

There are arguments for both. Nevertheless, a generation consists of a plurality of people, and having a degree applies to each one separately. That is, the statement is not about the generation as a whole (singular) but about the generation as separate individuals (plural).

— CalifJim

  • There are arguments for both.
  • Nevertheless, a generation consists of a plurality of people, and having a degree applies to each one separately.
  • That is, the statement is not about the generation as a whole (singular) but about the generation as separate individuals (plural).
  • The meaning of 'the fifth generation of leaders' is thus really nearly the same as 'the leaders of the fifth generation'.
  • I advise 'have'.
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4 Answers
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There are arguments for both. Nevertheless, a generation consists of a plurality of people, and having a degree applies to each one separately. That is, the statement is not about the generation as a whole (singular) but about the generation as separate individuals (plural). The meaning of 'the fifth generation of leaders' is thus really nearly the same as 'the leaders of the fifth generation'.
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Thank you for your detailed answer. I also thought using the word 'have' was correct but the auto-edit on Microsoft Word recommended using the word 'has'.
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Anonymousauto-edit on Microsoft Word
Take that software with a block of salt. Emotion: smile

CJ
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The auto-edit is rather narrow-minded at times.
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