04 Apr 15
Originally posted by vanderveldeCollective nouns can be singular or plural depending on the context.
Is people singularium or plural
But people is not a collective noun it is simply the plural of person so it is always plural. Contrast that with "crowd".
The crowd is dispersing.
The crowd are rioting.
Both correct.
Hope that helps. 🙂
06 Apr 15
Originally posted by wolfgang59No.
Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on the context.
But people is not a collective noun it is simply the plural of person so it is always plural. Contrast that with "crowd".
The crowd [b]is dispersing.
The crowd are rioting.
Both correct.
Hope that helps. 🙂[/b]
Both are only correct in British English, and the plural is only appropriate when speaking of any group of individuals.
The vast majority of the time, collective nouns are treated as singular in American English.
According to Dictionary.com:
"Whether a collective noun, which is singular in form, is used with a singular or plural verb depends on whether the word is referring to the group as a unit or to its members as individuals. In American English, a collective noun naming an organization regarded as a unit is usually treated as singular: The corporation is holding its annual meeting. The team is having a winning season. The government has taken action. In British English, such nouns are commonly treated as plurals: The corporation are holding their annual meeting. The team are playing well. The government are in agreement. When a collective noun naming a group of persons is treated as singular, it is referred to by the relative pronoun that or which: His crew is one that (or which) works hard. When such a noun is treated as plural, the pronoun is who: His crew are specialists who volunteered for the project. In formal speech and writing, collective nouns are usually not treated as both singular and plural in the same sentence: The enemy is fortifying its(not their) position. The enemy are bringing up their heavy artillery.
When the collective nouns couple and pair refer to people, they are usually treated as plurals: The newly married couple have found a house near good transportation. The pair are busy furnishing their new home. The collective noun number, when preceded by a, is treated as a plural: A number of solutions were suggested. When preceded by the, it is treated as a singular: The number of solutions offered was astounding.
Other common collective nouns are class, crowd, flock, panel, committee, group, audience, staff, and family."
07 Apr 15
I have been watching Russian cartoons, Masha and the Bear and Qumi Qumi which is in a kind of English gibberish but thoroughly enjoyable. If I ever stop watching cartoons then I will know I am getting older, but not for now.
Here is Masha and the Bear, she is awesome.
07 Apr 15
Originally posted by robbie carrobiegreat link!
I have been watching Russian cartoons, Masha and the Bear and Qumi Qumi which is in a kind of English gibberish but thoroughly enjoyable. If I ever stop watching cartoons then I will know I am getting older, but not for now.
Here is Masha and the Bear, she is awesome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUfnNs152CQ
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07 Apr 15
Originally posted by vanderveldeI dunno, I'm not sure it's the song itself which is the problem, but the excessively goofy singer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGOcS4YpxW4
[youtube]PGOcS4YpxW4[/youtube]
In one of Roman Polanski's films, a young wild girl can't stand listening to this song: she urges live band to play something else.
Is this song really only for old people?
From that version, Youtube points me at the same song sung by the barely comparably superior Nat King Cole. I doubt she'd have had the same reaction to that version.
07 Apr 15
Originally posted by Shallow BlueI've heard you like to get your earlobes sucked.
I dunno, I'm not sure it's the song itself which is the problem, but the excessively goofy singer.
From that version, Youtube points me at the same song sung by the barely comparably superior Nat King Cole. I doubt she'd have had the same reaction to that version.
Is it true?
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10 Apr 15
The post that was quoted here has been removedOld is a relative term isn't it? I am closing in on my 7th decade yet don't feel old but to someone 5 or 30 or 50 I may, in their eyes, be old. I sure don't feel old and sometimes may not "act my age" but hey, who cares eh? I sure don't.