Anonymous Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
Proper Way to Write Verbs When Using (s) on the End of a Noun in a Sentence
I need to write a sentence that takes into account both singular and plural subjects, depending on the situation. It's a generic sentence that will be used many times and I need to to make sense as well as be grammatically correct.
Here is an example:
The following dog(s) was/were taken outside at noon:
So, in this example, I will be expecting to day both one dog as well as multiple dogs outside at noon. I am unsure how to handle the verb. Is it okay to have a slash in between the two options?
Any advice would be appreciated!
Here is an example:
The following dog(s) was/were taken outside at noon:
So, in this example, I will be expecting to day both one dog as well as multiple dogs outside at noon. I am unsure how to handle the verb. Is it okay to have a slash in between the two options?
Any advice would be appreciated!
Top answer
In cases like this I simply use the plural verb. The following dog(s) were taken outside at noon: Exactly what circumstance does "taken outside" describe? I wonder whether it is the best way to express what you mean.
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In cases like this I simply use the plural verb.
The following dog(s) were taken outside at noon:
Exactly what circumstance does "taken outside" describe? I wonder whether it is the best way to express what you mean.
The following dog(s) were taken outside at noon:
Exactly what circumstance does "taken outside" describe? I wonder whether it is the best way to express what you mean.
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