0
Nsfs2 Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Singular or plural

Hi,

One definition of 'law' is:
'Law is a set of rules that deal with a particular subject or area.'

Why does the verb agree with 'rules' and not 'set'?
Would it be the same if one changed 'set of rules' to 'a code of rules'?
Does using AE or BE affect this use?

Lots of thanks.
  

Top answer

Lots of thanks. The antecedent of 'that' is 'rules'. No difference between set and code .

— Philip

  • Lots of thanks.
  • The antecedent of 'that' is 'rules'.
  • No difference between set and code .
  • However, 'code' often isn't modified, so it would be 'law is a code that deal s ...
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

2 Answers
0
nsfs2Hi,One definition of 'law' is:'Law is a set of rules that deal with a particular subject or area.'Why does the verb agree with 'rules' and not 'set'?Would it be the same if one changed 'set of rules' to 'a code of rules'?Does using AE or BE affect this use?Lots of thanks.
The antecedent of 'that' is 'rules'. No difference between set and code
0
0
Thank you for your help, Philip.

What decides which word the antecedent is? Sometimes it seems to come after or before 'of'. For example, which word is the antecedent in the following?
'He is one of the boys who is/are ... '
'A group of boys that want/wants more attention.'
'The number of people that is/are needed for the work ... '

Would you min
0

Related Questions