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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Singular or plural

Hi,

This is the sentence:

John walked in. With him were the assistant and the clerk and the manager.

Is this okay? Is it 'were' or 'was'? Can we simply say 'with him' or must we say 'accompanying him were the assistant etc.....'?

Thanks,
  

Top answer

Hi, This is the sentence: John walked in. With him were the assistant and the clerk and the manager. Is this okay?

— Clive

  • Hi, This is the sentence: John walked in.
  • With him were the assistant and the clerk and the manager.
  • Is this okay?
  • Yes Is it 'were' or 'was'?
  • Were It's like saying The assistant and the clerk and the manager were with him.
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5 Answers
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Hi,

This is the sentence:

John walked in. With him were the assistant and the clerk and the manager.

Is this okay?Yes
Is it 'were' or 'was'? Were
It's like saying The assistant and the cle
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CliveJohn walked in. With him were the assistant and the clerk and the manager.
Hi Clive.

Shouldn't the 'and' be removed?

With him were the assistant, the clerk and the manager.
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Thanks, Clive. That was helpful.
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Hi,

Shouldn't the 'and' be removed?

With him were the assistant, the clerk and the manager.

Yes, although I wouldn't say it's definitely wrong to leave it, if you wish to emphasize the number of people.

I just didn't notice it here.
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