Singular Nouns with Plural Verbs: Understanding the Exceptions in English Grammar
When learning English, one of the most common questions students often ask is when to use a singular noun with a plural verb. Sometimes, we come across sentences where singular nouns take a plural verb, which appears to be a disregard for the rules of subject-verb agreement. In this article, we will explore various examples of singular nouns that can be used with plural verbs in sentences, along with instances where this rule does not apply.
Examples of Singular Nouns Used with Plural Verbs
There are several instances when a singular noun requires a plural verb, such as:
1. Collective Nouns
Collective nouns are singular in form but can take either a singular or a plural verb depending on the intended meaning of the sentence. For example, the sentence “The team are discussing their plans over lunch” suggests that the different members of the team are making different decisions. On the other hand, “The team is working towards a common goal” implies that the team as a whole is acting as a singular unit.
Example:
“The group of students are divided on the topic.”
2. Places and Natural Features
Names of places and geographical features are often treated as singular nouns but can appear in sentences that require plural verbs. For example, “The Sahara are a vast and beautiful desert” might be phrased differently to reflect the region as a whole but grammatically correct to express parts or aspects of it in a plural sense.
Example:
“Canada has many diverse landscapes.”
3. Non-Countable Nouns
Non-countable nouns, such as water, silence, or information, are treated as singular in their indefinite forms but may take plural verbs when expressing more than one instance or condition. Consider the sentence “There is much water in the pond” which is grammatically correct, but “There are ponds filled with clear water” where the noun is plural and takes a plural verb to describe multiple ponds.
Example:
“ Есть зданий на курорте в большом количестве” (There are buildings at the resort in large quantities)
4. Titles and Names That End in “S”
Some titles and names of organizations or entities ending in 's' do not necessarily indicate plural nouns, such as the United Nations (the UN) or the Television Broadcasts (TVB). These can become confusing when it comes to using plural verbs. For example, “The UN are considering a new resolution” or “The TVB have produced numerous popular shows.” However, it is always better to confirm the convention used in each case.
Example:
“The NBA handles nationwide broadcasting rights.”
Instances Where the Rule Does Not Apply
Let's also look at some cases where the singular noun with plural verb rule does not apply, to further clarify what might confuse English learners:
Irregular Verbs with Only Suffix Change
Some verbs, like 'go,' 'eat,' and 'bring,' remain in the singular form even when used with plural subjects. This is a key rule in English grammar to ensure correct subject-verb agreement.
Example:
For example, “The children go to school every day.”
Scientific Terms and Slang
Scientific terms and slang often have unique rules. In scientific writing, singular nouns often take plural verbs, but this is specific to the field and not a universal rule in English. For example, “The particle shows a strong interaction” is grammatically correct.
Example:
“The data shows a correlation between the two variables.”
Nouns Referring to Groups or Molecules
Nouns such as “group,” “molecule,” and “family” can also take plural verbs, especially when emphasizing the parts or members of these groups. However, this is context-dependent and varies based on the intended meaning.
Example:
“A group of scientists have proposed a new theory.”
Conclusion
In English grammar, subject-verb agreement can be quite flexible, especially with the use of singular nouns in conjunction with plural verbs. Understanding these exceptional cases is crucial for improving writing and communication skills. While some of these rules may seem complex or counterintuitive, recognizing them will help you to avoid common grammatical errors and enhance the clarity of your writing.