0
Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Singular or plural

I have seen examples that use both so I am confused. Which one is correct?

We suggest she 'eat or eats' more protein.
We suggest she 'try or tries' a different approach.
  

Top answer

We suggest she 'try or tries' a different approach. It is not 'singular or plural' but 'subjunctive or indicative'. 'Suggest' is one of several mandative verbs that take the subjunctive in formal writing, though it is growing out of fashion in informal situations.

— Mister Micawber

  • We suggest she 'try or tries' a different approach.
  • It is not 'singular or plural' but 'subjunctive or indicative'.
  • 'Suggest' is one of several mandative verbs that take the subjunctive in formal writing, though it is growing out of fashion in informal situations.
  • BrE is more fond of 'should', I believe: I suggested that she eat.
  • I suggested that she should eat.
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.

7 Answers
0
AnonymousWe suggest she 'eat or eats' more protein.We suggest she 'try or tries' a different approach.
It is not 'singular or plural' but 'subjunctive or indicative'.

'Suggest' is one of several mandative verbs that take the subjunctive in formal writing, though it is growing out of fashion in informal situations. BrE is more fond of 'should', I beli
0
0
Mister Micawber'Suggest' is one of several mandative verbs that take the subjunctive in formal writing, though it is growing out of fashion informal situations. BrE is more fond of 'should', I believe:
Feel free to contact me for information about our organization: The Society For the Preservation of the Use of t
0
0
PhilipThe Society For the Preservation of the Use of the Subjunctive Mood in American English (SPUSMAE)!
Did my typo mislead you? I've fixed it. ...Or are you a bunch of radicals?
0
0
Mister Micawber AnonymousWe suggest she 'eat or eats' more protein.We suggest she 'try or tries' a different approach.It is not 'singular or plural' but 'subjunctive or indicative'.'Suggest' is one of several mandative verbs that take the subjunctive in formal writing, though it is growing out of fashion in informal situations. BrE is more fond of 'should', I believe:I su
0
0
PhilipThe Society For the Preservation of the Use of the Subjunctive Mood in American English (SPUSMAE)!
I always thought it was the Society for the Preservation of the American Subjunctive Mood (SPASM).
0
0
AnonymousAre my examples written correctly
Yes.
Anonymouslso, would the correct words be 'eat' and 'try', since the sentences are in subjunctive mode.
Yes.
0
0
fivejedjon PhilipThe Society For the Preservation of the Use of the Subjunctive Mood in American English (SPUSMAE)!I always thought it was the Society for the Preservation of the American Subjunctive Mood (SPASM).
It'll take a vote of the Board of Directors, but I'm going to recommend the change. Thanks.
0

Related Questions