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Lcchang Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

TOEIC Question

My family ___________ to open a restaurant soon.
(A) plans
(B) plan
(C) planning
(D) planner

The answer key says (A) is the correct one, but I think family here mean s "the people" in the family to run the business, not "the whole family". I think B is much better. What would you think?
  

Top answer

Treat a group noun as singular, unless particular attention needs to be called to multiple members of the group. My family plans to open a restaurant. My family (members) are arguing with each other.

— Vorpar

  • Treat a group noun as singular, unless particular attention needs to be called to multiple members of the group.
  • My family plans to open a restaurant.
  • My family (members) are arguing with each other.
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2 Answers
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Treat a group noun as singular, unless particular attention needs to be called to multiple members of the group.

My family plans to open a restaurant.

My family (members) are arguing with each other.
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Sometimes, TOEIC requirement is tricky. By straightforward grammar, "plans" is the correct choice, at least from the American English perspective. It could be looking at "family" as a plural noun.
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