When is a plural not a plural? Or another blog on Grammar Bull S–t
Posted by Editor on March 22, 2010 in Basic Grammar | ∞
A reader writes: Does the noun “livestock” take a singular or plural verb, as in: “Livestock [has/have] been important in serving humankind.”? Collective nouns (groups of people and things) take a singular verb unless the individuals are to be emphasized. Livestock has been important in serving humankind. (singular) I chased away the livestock who were [...]
Affect or Effect
Posted by Editor on March 22, 2010 in Basic Grammar | ∞
Which is the correct usage of the word “effect” (or “Affect”): the paperwork necessary to EFFECT the assignment or AFFECT the assignment. To “effect” means to “bring about or accomplish.” It has a sense of completion. This would be the usage if the paperwork was necessary to complete the assignment. This is probably the correct [...]
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