7. Singular and plural
Because English is a language with very heterogeneous origins, many English words derived from French, Greek or Latin have irregular plurals or even two different plurals. Some words which may appear plural are in fact singular, as in the various names of areas of knowledge. Furthermore, the use of words denoting groups and partitive expressions often affects whether the related verb is singular or plural. Finally, some nouns, called attributive nouns, are used in singular or plural form in front of other nouns to describe or modify these.
7.1 Words with unusual plural forms
Some frequent examples in our institutional context are campus, curriculum, practicum and thesis, which take the plural forms campuses, curricula, practicums and theses, respectively. Because the standard English plural s is becoming increasingly widespread, in those cases where you can choose between two alternative plural forms this guide recommends the s form (for example, syllabuses rather than syllabi). For a list of unusual plural forms, see Appendix II: Unusual plural forms.
7.2 The word data
The word data can be singular or plural. Be consistent across contexts.
The data is useless because the file has been corrupted.
The data were collected in December. They show a 15% increase in student intake.
In science, data tends to be plural.
7.3 Subject-verb agreement
7.3.1 Areas of knowledge
Some names of academic and scientific disciplines end with an s and appear to be plural but take a singular verb when they are treated as an area of knowledge or subject of study.
Economics is commonly regarded as a soft science.
The mathematics of computational chemistry is of significance to chemists.
When they are not, use the plural.
The economics of university services are complex.
The mathematics of our everyday calculations are of no significance to us.
When the discipline economics is used as an adjective, it maintains its form with a final s. The adjective economic, without the s, has a different meaning.
The Department is beginning a series of CPD courses for its economics lecturers.
Attaining sufficient economic support is a vital aspect of university governance.
7.3.2 Words denoting groups
With groups of people, you can use either singular or plural verbs. If you wish to imply unanimity or unity, use a singular verb; if you want to talk about varied opinions or only one part of the group, use the plural.
The University’s Governing Council is considering the matter.
The Committee were divided over tuition fees.
7.3.3 Geographical areas and organisations
Countries, regions and organisations take a singular verb even when they have a plural name.
The Balearic Islands is a self-governing region of Spain.
The United Nations is charged with the maintenance of international peace.
However, if there is some reason to stress the individual parts, use a plural verb.
The Balearic Islands are made up of four main islands.
7.3.4 Percentages
In a similar way to words denoting groups, treat percentages as plural or singular depending on whether the emphasis is on a collection of parts acting individually or a quantity.
This year 27% of students have left home.
Twenty-seven per cent of students is not many.
7.3.5 Attributive nouns
Attributive nouns describe or modify other nouns. Like adjectives, they come before the noun they describe. They are generally singular, but in some cases they may be plural.
Twenty students received this year’s government grant.
The ramp can also be used for baby carriages.
The Language Service offers visiting students a complaints form.
The Campus will soon be opening its new athletics field.
7.4 Partitive expressions
The expressions half of and none (of) may take either a singular or a plural verb when the noun they modify is countable.
Half of the class has signed up for Qualitative Analysis II.
Half of the class have signed up for Qualitative Analysis II.
None of our graduates has had problems getting a grant.
None of our graduates have had problems getting a grant.
When the noun is uncountable, use the singular verb.
Half of their funding was spent on software.
None of this energy is renewable.
The expression the majority of takes a plural verb if the following noun is a collection of individuals.
The majority of our graduates have had no problem getting a grant.
The expression a number of means several, so it takes a plural verb.
A number of applications are still to come.
However, the number of, because it refers to a specific number, always takes a singular verb.
At a total of just six, the number of applications this year is small compared to last year’s twenty-five.
7.5 Verbs with compound subjects
7.5.1 Two or more nouns joined by and
Generally speaking, two or more nouns joined by and form a plural compound subject and take a plural verb.
The Faculty of Physics and the Faculty of Mathematics are planning to share the laboratory.
Dr Puig and Dr Sánchez have made another proposal.
However, when the nouns describe a single person, thing or concept, use a singular verb.
His first teacher and lifelong mentor is reading the opening address.
The canteen reported that fish and chips was more popular than paella.
Today’s research and development is facing many new challenges.
7.5.2 Two or more nouns joined by or or nor
When the compound subject contains or or nor, make the verb agree with the part of the subject closest to it.
In filter media testing, either one PFE or three VFE are generally recommended.
In filter media testing, either three VFE or one PFE is generally recommended.
7.5.3 The expressions together with and as well as
When expressions like together with and as well as (and the nouns they are attached to) are written between commas, they do not make singular subjects plural.
The Mathematics Library, together with the other faculty libraries, is hoping to extend its opening hours.
The Ausiàs March building, as well as the private chapel and park, has now opened its doors to the public.