two questions on board

Question

1. Which one is right or are they both right?

Everything went smooth.

Everything went smoothly.

2. When puttng the word "more" in front of uncountable nouns, is it always the case that the verbs have to be in singular?

More furniture means more money.

More equipment means more money.

How about the word "some" in front of uncountable nouns, is it the same case of having to put singular verbs?

Some rice needs not be given.

Some time is needed.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

1. Which one is right or are they both right?

Everything went smooth.

Everything went smoothly.

In your example, you need the adverbial form. 'Smoothly' modifies 'went', ie it describes the 'going', not 'everything'.

However, consider 'When I fell and hit my head, everything went black'. Here' 'black' is an adjective describing 'everything'. Everything became black.

2. When puttng the word "more" in front of uncountable nouns, is it always the case that the verbs have to be in singular? I always try to avoid saying 'always', but generally speaking, yes. However, it's not because of the use of 'more'. It's because such nouns require a singular verb.

More furniture means more money.OK

More equipment means more money.OK

How about the word "some" in front of uncountable nouns, is it the same case of having to put singular verbs? Same comment as above.

Some rice needs not be given. The use of ('need' + a negative) expresses a necessity or obligation. The form 'need' is used, not 'needs'. This is true for both uncountable and countable nouns, eg This chair need not be painted.

Some time is needed. OK

Best wishes, Clive

two questions on board

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions