0
Anonymous Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

One for Music Lovers...

0I've often seen members of a band/group listed using the word "are"...02br
02br
00Example: Aerosmith are Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, and Joey Kramer.02br
02br
00Is this correct?. Or should the word "is" be used instead of "are"???0-
  

Top answer

when the group is considered as a unit, the singular verb is used; when it is thought of as a collection of individuals, the plural verb is used. " 11i 10---Webster's Dictionary of English Usage12i 12font 12br 12blockquote 10But01blockquote 01font 10"Those commentators who mention British-American differences agree in general that singular verbs are more common in American English and plural verbs more common in British English. " 12font 11font 11i 10---Webster's Dictionary of English Usage12i 12font 12blockquote 10 0-

— Rvw

  • when the group is considered as a unit, the singular verb is used; when it is thought of as a collection of individuals, the plural verb is used.
  • " 11i 10---Webster's Dictionary of English Usage12i 12font 12br 12blockquote 10But01blockquote 01font 10"Those commentators who mention British-American differences agree in general that singular verbs are more common in American English and plural verbs more common in British English.
  • " 12font 11font 11i 10---Webster's Dictionary of English Usage12i 12font 12blockquote 10 0-
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

5 Answers
0
0 I think it is correct but more likely to be seen and heard in England than the United States.02br
02br
00The rule is:01blockquote
01font10"...when the group is considered as a unit, the singular verb is used; when it is thought of as a collection of individuals, the plural verb is used. All grammarians and usage commentators agr
0
0
0 Based on your question, if I had to, I would chose "are". However, two things come to mind. One, we really don't use either one in the context of your question. Look at the entry for Aerosmith at 01a05000 02a02br
02br
00When the members' names are listed, they come before the verb not after. This brings
0
0
0Maybe because "The White Stripes" is /are already a plural? 050010id1
0
0
0 pieanne, in that case, I ask you do you think Aerosmith 1) are has beens, or 2) is has beens?0-
0
0
0I have no opinion about Aerosmith, but if I were to talk about the group, I think I'd use a singular... 050010id37
0

Related Questions