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Mkhuze Mahlangu Posted 7 years ago
Grammar

Single noun or plural noun

Hi reader, I have been telling myself that I understand why at times a single noun takes a plural form of verb. However, I become confused when people that I respect for their good command of English fail to follow strict rules of grammar. Please help me about this: Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

1. The ANC (has) won the election.

2. The ANC (have) won the election.

Hint: I was convinced that if the noun represents an organization which is run and followed by a number of people - then the noun takes form of verb.

  

Top answer

Mkhuze Mahlangu 1. The ANC has won the election. This is formally proper since "ANC" is grammatically singular.

— GPY

  • Mkhuze Mahlangu 1.
  • The ANC has won the election.
  • This is formally proper since "ANC" is grammatically singular.
  • Mkhuze Mahlangu 2.
  • The ANC have won the election.
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1 Answers
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Mkhuze Mahlangu 1. The ANC has won the election.

This is formally proper since "ANC" is grammatically singular.

Mkhuze Mahlangu 2. The ANC have won the election.

It is quite common in British English to use a plural verb when a grammatically singular noun seems "logically" plural, e.g. because it is made up of a nu

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