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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Is this correct english?

"1 in 2 Australian adults is overweight"

This is a direct quote from an Australian government website - I feel that the word 'are' should be used however I'm not sure. If someone knows the answer please advise what it is, and why.

Thanks,

CB
  

Top answer

'In' is a preposition with its object 'adults'. is overweight'.

— Mister Micawber

  • 'In' is a preposition with its object 'adults'.
  • is overweight'.
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4 Answers
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'In' is a preposition with its object 'adults'. The subject is 'One': 'one...is overweight'.
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the sentence suggests that if there are two Australians, one of them is overweight. That's why the sentence uses 'is' instead of 'are' because the verb follows a singular subject.
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thank-you for the clarification.

CB
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Just one more point: Half of Australian adults are overweight.
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