family name use

[Robin Leech]

Having stuck my finger into this discussion just a few moments ago, I
will now expand upon the use of a verb with a collective noun.

If the group acts as one unit, use a singular verb.  When members of the
group act individually, thus creating more than one action, use a plural
verb.  Here are examples.

Singular:

The senior class awaits final exams.
The couple in tweeds is engaged.

Plural:

The senior class were fitted for their graduation robes today.
The couple say their vows today.

When I teach my students about collective noun/verb use, I emphasize the
former (singular verb) use.  Once they are are familiar and comfortable
with the use, I introduce the occasions for plural use.

Robin Leech

On Sat, 22 Jun 1996, Paul Selden wrote:

> Dear all
>
> I always thought that group names were equivalent to the English
> 'Parliament', which is used in the singular, though it is a body which
> consists of many parliamentarians (unlike 'data' which is a plural). Hence,
> if you want to use #1, use 'lamiaceans'.
>
> More importantly, what do you mean by 'strongly'?
>
> Paul Selden
>
>
> Dr Paul A. Selden
> Department of Earth Sciences
> University of Manchester
> Manchester M13 9PL
> United Kingdom
>
> Phone: 0161 275 3296
> Fax: 0161 275 3947
>