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Jjjdolfan Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
Question on Have vs. Has
I have a question on the use of "have" vs "has" in a sentence. In the sentecne below have appears on the first line "have honored the memory..." Should that be "has" honored the memory..?
Since 1985, the Northeast Kitchen & Bath Association have honored the memory of John J. "Jay" Edward's love and devotion to the Kitchen & Bath industry by rewarding students who selflessly perform acts of service for the good of others.
Since 1985, the Northeast Kitchen & Bath Association have honored the memory of John J. "Jay" Edward's love and devotion to the Kitchen & Bath industry by rewarding students who selflessly perform acts of service for the good of others.
Top answer
Hi jjj I would agree with you; Association is singular, therefore the verb should be 'has'. However, there is a difference of opinion, and some people say that 'association' implies a plurality of people, and they use "have".
- Hi jjj I would agree with you; Association is singular, therefore the verb should be 'has'.
- However, there is a difference of opinion, and some people say that 'association' implies a plurality of people, and they use "have".
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5 Answers
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Hi jjj
I would agree with you; Association is singular, therefore the verb should be 'has'. However, there is a difference of opinion, and some people say that 'association' implies a plurality of people, and they use "have".
I would agree with you; Association is singular, therefore the verb should be 'has'. However, there is a difference of opinion, and some people say that 'association' implies a plurality of people, and they use "have".
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"Association" belongs to the category of collective nouns.
Collective nouns have a dual status: both plural and singular depending on situation. If every single member of the group behaves or acts the same thing or the same way or as ONE SINGLE unit, the collective noun is considered singular. But if the members do different things then it must be plural.
ex.
1a. The jury a
Collective nouns have a dual status: both plural and singular depending on situation. If every single member of the group behaves or acts the same thing or the same way or as ONE SINGLE unit, the collective noun is considered singular. But if the members do different things then it must be plural.
ex.
1a. The jury a
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Thank you.
Is it safe to say that all collective nouns have a dual status and must be considered singular if acting as A UNIT, and if individual members do different things, then it must be plural?
Did I form the question correctly? Should it be written differently? Is punctuation correct?
Is it safe to say that all collective nouns have a dual status and must be considered singular if acting as A UNIT, and if individual members do different things, then it must be plural?
Did I form the question correctly? Should it be written differently? Is punctuation correct?
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BelieverDid I form the question correctly? Should it be written differently? Is punctuation correct?I'd suggest identical/parallel constructions for the two alternatives:
Is it safe to say that all collective nouns have a dual status and must be considered singular if acting as A UNIT, and plural if the indiv
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