Indefinite Pronoun More

Question

I understand that the indefinite pronoun "more" can be plural or singular depending on the noun that accompanies it, thus determining the verb. However I'm stuck on a sentence and I need help.

"More words is/are better."

Is “words” a singular unit in this case or is it plural? My inclination is to choose “are” because “words” is plural, but I’ve been told that’s not correct by some of my writing colleagues. Which is it?

Jason

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

You can consider it in either number.  My inclination is to choose the singular because it is the concept of 'more words', not the words themselves, that is better... but I can see your viewpoint as well.

BillJ · Answer

AnonymousI understand that the indefinite pronoun "more" can be plural or singular depending on the noun that accompanies it, thus determining the verb. However I'm stuck on a sentence and I need help.
"More words is/are better."
Is “words” a singular unit in this case or is it plural? My inclination is to choose “are” because “words” is plural, but I’ve been told that’s not correct by some of my writing colleagues. Which is it?
Jason..you may also 'highlight'

In the phrase "more words", more is NOT a pronoun - it's a determiner (it acts rather like an adjective). So, "words" is the head, or main, word of the phrase and it therefore determines whether the verb should be singular or plural. So, "more words are better" is correct. "More" can be a pronoun in such expressions as "I want more", where it does not precede a noun.

BillJ

Indefinite Pronoun More

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