Verb agreement in the UK

Discussion in 'General Chat' started by tbarr60, May 22, 2007.

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  1. #1
    As I watch sports from the UK and read threads here, I see an odd approach to verb agreement. Here's and example from a thread here at DP forums:
    I would say Google is a company. A company is a singular noun so the verb should be singular. So Google is taking over. The part about YouTube does use the singular verb with the singular noun.

    So, is there some rule in English English that calls for a plural verb to go with a singular noun?
     
    tbarr60, May 22, 2007 IP
  2. CountryBoy

    CountryBoy Prominent Member

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    #2
    I think the difference is that in the sentence "Google are literally taking over" you're referring to Google as an organisation, made up of many individuals hence the pluralisation. In the case of "YouTube is almost also household product" you are referring to YouTube as a product, of which there is only one hence singular.
     
    CountryBoy, May 22, 2007 IP
  3. Kerosene

    Kerosene Alpha & Omega™ Staff

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    #3
    I've never been sure about this. I normally use "are" because I generally view companies/organizations as groups of people. e.g "Google are a bunch of wankers"

    But then ... I would never say "America are literally taking over", and I guess it's the same when talking about Google etc.

    So I'm probably wrong most of the time.

    Let's hope someone who speak the Queen's English chimes in.
     
    Kerosene, May 22, 2007 IP
  4. skibladner

    skibladner Peon

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    #4
    What's that supposed to mean?
     
    skibladner, May 22, 2007 IP
  5. CountryBoy

    CountryBoy Prominent Member

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    #5
    Yes, the syntax is a bit out. It's just a demonstration of 'YouTube is'.
     
    CountryBoy, May 22, 2007 IP
  6. tbarr60

    tbarr60 Notable Member

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    #6
    If you said Googlers are a bunch of Yankees that would make sense or Google's people are a bunch...

    I am guessing it's not how they are taught in school, it's just casual use of words.
     
    tbarr60, May 22, 2007 IP
  7. Hilton03

    Hilton03 Well-Known Member

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    #7
    Correct, the verb must follow the number of the subject.

    Therefore, as there is only one Google, the correct usage would be "Google is literally taking over."

    Whereas if there were two search engine companies, it would be "Search engine companies are literally taking over."

    Probably the more common error is when the singular name ends in an "s" and so many people would incorrectly write "Starbucks are literally taking over."

    No. :)
     
    Hilton03, May 22, 2007 IP
  8. tbarr60

    tbarr60 Notable Member

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    #8
    Is you..I mean are you from the UK? Your answer sounds like mine which is 'merican.
     
    tbarr60, May 22, 2007 IP
  9. Hilton03

    Hilton03 Well-Known Member

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    #9
    Yes, I'm British born and bred and grammar school educated. :)

    I used Starbucks as an example to make it easier for my cousins across the water. ;)

    If I'm perfectly honest, although I knew when to use is/are, I did have to look up the specific wording in my copy of Fowler's Modern English Usage. :D
     
    Hilton03, May 23, 2007 IP