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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Organisation - singular or plural?

Do I say "XYZ Ltd provides energy management services. We do not supply energy"? or "XYZ Ltd provide energy management services. We do not supply energy?"

Also, what is the correct way to refer to a team - who or which?
For example:
"Your query has been forwarded to our billing team, who will be in touch with you shortly." or "Your query has been forwarded to our billing team, which will be in touch shortly."

Thanks
  

Top answer

Both singular and plural verbs are commonly used in such cases. The plural is not much used in American English, though, and some people are vehemently opposed to it. I would use who to refer to a team because a team is made up of people.

— Cool Breeze

  • Both singular and plural verbs are commonly used in such cases.
  • The plural is not much used in American English, though, and some people are vehemently opposed to it.
  • I would use who to refer to a team because a team is made up of people.
  • I wouldn't consider which incorrect, though.
  • CB
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4 Answers
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Both singular and plural verbs are commonly used in such cases. The plural is not much used in American English, though, and some people are vehemently opposed to it.

I would use who to refer to a team because a team is made up of people. I wouldn't consider which incorrect, though.

CB
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Thanks, CB. I know both singular and plural verbs are commonly used. I just wondered if one or the other was incorrect. Is it just a matter of using whichever you prefer?
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Organisations are frequently treated as plural in British English. This is acceptable.
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Rayman55 I just wondered if one or the other was incorrect.
What is correct English is often a matter of opinion as there is no such authority as a Language Academy. The fact that there are two main versions of the language is another factor that sometimes causes disagreement. An American friend of mine would be appalled if he heard anyone use a plural verb to
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