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Snarf Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Quartet - to be treated singularly or in a plural sense

The quartet start singing with fervent zeal and perfect harmony.

In that context, "the quartet" refers to four choir men, so is "start" okay there, or should it be "starts" with an "s" at the end? Or is it the same thing either way?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

As far as I know, in British English, collective nouns like "quartet", "team", "choir", etc. most often take the plural verb form (in this case "start"). In American English, they almost always take the singular verb form (in this case "starts").

— CSnyder

  • As far as I know, in British English, collective nouns like "quartet", "team", "choir", etc.
  • most often take the plural verb form (in this case "start").
  • In American English, they almost always take the singular verb form (in this case "starts").
  • Interestingly enough, however, as an American, I would lean toward using "start" in this case, but I don't know what most others would do.
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7 Answers
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As far as I know, in British English, collective nouns like "quartet", "team", "choir", etc. most often take the plural verb form (in this case "start"). In American English, they almost always take the singular verb form (in this case "starts"). Interestingly enough, however, as an American, I would lean toward using "start" in this case, but I don't know what most others would do.
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The plural verb really rubs me the wrong way. I would definitely use starts.
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Exactly! I'm Canadian, so imagine how confused I am about the matter! How about this? If we were to substitute "group" for "quartet," would it be any easier to determine what is more accurate, "start" or "starts"?

The group start singing with fervent zeal and perfect harmony.

Either way, I'm at an equal loss in trying to figure this ****** out.
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Aspara GusThe plural verb really rubs me the wrong way. I would definitely use starts.
Oh, I see. So "start" sounds wrong to you, then?
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SnarfOh, I see. So "start" sounds wrong to you, then?
It sounds unnatural to me. How does it sound to you?

In any case, all of the members of the quartet are singing together in the same way, so they are more accurately regarded as a unit rather than individuals serving different roles.
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Aspara GusIn any case, all of the members of the quartet are singing together in the same way, so they are more accurately regarded as a unit rather than individuals serving different roles.
That's an American way of looking at it. In Britain we can think of the group as being composed of several members; a plural verb form is therefore acceptable. We can't sa
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What about 'Paramount Pictures presents'?

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