Constantine01 Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
Single or Plural -British English
When I went to school (in Britain), we would say :
The police ARE coming.
This is because "the police" is a collective term for a group of people.
Nowadays, I hear people say : the police is coming.
Have the rules changed? Which is correct in British English?
Many thanks in advance.
The police ARE coming.
This is because "the police" is a collective term for a group of people.
Nowadays, I hear people say : the police is coming.
Have the rules changed? Which is correct in British English?
Many thanks in advance.
Top answer
Hi Constantine Welcome to the Forums. No change. In BrE, The police are coming.
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Hi Constantine
Welcome to the Forums.
No change. In BrE, The police are coming.
I believe it is also the same in AmE.
Welcome to the Forums.
No change. In BrE, The police are coming.
I believe it is also the same in AmE.
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Never heard "the police is coming" in US. Maybe "the police/fire department is coming." "The infantry is coming." "The marines are coming." "Police" has always been plural, at least during my lifetime.
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