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Asterix Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
subject-verb-agreement "type is / are"
Dear teachers,
would you please be so kind as to help me here with this problem?
Let's imagine there are three types of couples mentioned in a text and you would like to give more information about each of these types:
A) The first type / kind / one are couples who .....
B) The first type / kind / one is couples who....
It's obvious that could can replace "couples" in B) with the singular form "a couple" but I'd like to find out whether the verb in A and B has to agree with the word "type" or the word "couple".
Thanks in advance
Buddy42
would you please be so kind as to help me here with this problem?
Let's imagine there are three types of couples mentioned in a text and you would like to give more information about each of these types:
A) The first type / kind / one are couples who .....
B) The first type / kind / one is couples who....
It's obvious that could can replace "couples" in B) with the singular form "a couple" but I'd like to find out whether the verb in A and B has to agree with the word "type" or the word "couple".
Thanks in advance
Buddy42
Top answer
Asterix It's obvious that could can replace "couples" ??? Asterix I'd like to find out whether the verb in A and B has to agree with the word "type" or the word "couple s ". Agreement is with 'couples'.
- Asterix It's obvious that could can replace "couples" ???
- Asterix I'd like to find out whether the verb in A and B has to agree with the word "type" or the word "couple s ".
- Agreement is with 'couples'.
- 'type' or 'kind' may be considered "notionally plural" in this sort of context.
- CJ
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3 Answers
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AsterixIt's obvious that could can replace "couples"???
AsterixI'd like to find out whether the verb in A and B has to agree with the word "type" or the word "couples".Agreement is with 'couples'. 'type' or 'kind' may be considered "notionally plural" in this sort of context.
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It's obvious that could can replace "couples""Sorry, that's a typo! What I wanted to say was: It's obvious that you could replace "couples" by "a couple" to make this sentence correct.
CalifJimAgreement is with 'couples'. 'type' or 'kind' may be considered "notionally plural" in this sort of context.So, B) is wrong, is that correct?.
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AsterixSo, B) is wrong, is that correct?.Opinions vary. I doubt most writers prefer B.
AsterixThis type of couples has / have a lot of fun in life.Here I prefer "have", but many writers rephrase sentences when they write themselves into this kind of corner.
CJ
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