When the persons or things denoted are thought of as individuals, the plural should be used. When the collection is regarded as a unit, the singular should be used.[33]
- 1. The Senior Class requests the pleasure of your company. [Here the class is thought of collectively, acting as a unit.]
- 2. The Senior Class are unable to agree upon a president. [Here the speaker has in mind the individuals of whom the class is composed.]
- 3. The nation welcomes Prince Joseph. [The whole nation unites as a single individual to welcome a distinguished guest.]
- 4. The American nation are descended from every other nation on earth. [The separate qualities of the individuals who constitute the nation are in the speaker’s mind.]
230. A number in the sense of “several” or “many” regularly takes the plural; the number takes the singular.
- A number of sailors were loitering on the pier.
- The number of tickets is limited.
231. Half, part, portion, and the like, take either the singular or the plural according to sense.
- Half of a circle is a semicircle.
- Half of the passengers were lost.
232. A verb which has for its subject a relative pronoun is in the same person and number as the antecedent. For examples, see [§ 149].
Errors are especially common in such sentences as,—
- This is one of the strangest sights that ever were seen. [The antecedent of that is sights (not one); hence the relative (that) is plural, and accordingly the verb is plural (were, not was).]
- Mr. Winn’s oration was among the most eloquent that have [NOT has] been delivered in this state for many years.
- This is one of the finest paintings there are in the hall. [For the omission of the relative, see [§ 151].]