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Sebayanpendam Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Subject verb agreement

Hi,

I am confused with this question on the subject verb agreement. Which is the correct form of the verb? The noun 'family' can be either singular or plural. How can I know if it is plural or singular.

The Tan family comes/come to Pulau Duyung for a quiet holiday. So, which should be the answer?

What if the sentence reads Tan's family come/comes to.... ? Should the answer be comes? It sounds singular-ish to me. At least, that is what I am thinking.

Thank you
  

Top answer

The answer depends on your frame of thought. I would make it singular; there are many who insist that it is plural. The Tan family always comes [as a unit] to the parties ~ The Tan family are a crazy bunch [of individuals].

— Philip

  • The answer depends on your frame of thought.
  • I would make it singular; there are many who insist that it is plural.
  • The Tan family always comes [as a unit] to the parties ~ The Tan family are a crazy bunch [of individuals].
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3 Answers
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The answer depends on your frame of thought. I would make it singular; there are many who insist that it is plural.

The Tan family always comes [as a unit] to the parties ~ The Tan family are a crazy bunch [of individuals].
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Philip's reply makes sense. However, there is a tendency in British English to use the plural verb when the reference is to all the members of the family, which is the case in your sentence. In other words, both come and comes are right. The singular is used even in British English when the reference is to past generations:
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The word Family is a collective noun, signifying many but meaning one. So consider it as singular.
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