Most want or want? How to stop being mistaken in the predicate number once and for all

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

It all depends on the part of speech, the meaning of the word and the situation.

Finding the correct predicate number in sentences with a subject indicating the number or collection of objects is not an easy task. We are confused by logic: on the one hand, the subject singular also requires a predicate singular, on the other, we understand that we are not talking about one thing, but about a group, so we want to use the plural. Both options may be correct. To understand which one to choose, you first need to determine which part of speech is the subject.

Collective noun

The norms of the modern Russian language in this case allow the use of both the singular and the plural of the predicate - most often the forms are interchangeable. But there are exceptions.

Only singular

• If the subject consists only of a collective noun without dependent words: The majority left, the minority supported.
• If the subject consists of a collective noun and a singular noun: Part of the editorial board went into isolation.

Plural only

• If the subject and predicate are not next to each other: A number of complaints about the taste and appearance of the soup were expressed to the face of the waiter.
• If before or after the subject there is a participle or a definitive clause with the word "which", both in the plural: Most of the people who participated in the talent competition turned out to be cheaters. Most of the people who entered the talent competition turned out to be cheaters.
• If it is necessary to show that all the actors were actively involved in the process or that each completed the task independently: Most students took the time to prepare for the exam.
• If there are homogeneous predicates: Some tenants regularly pay for utilities and come to general house meetings.
• If there are several controlled words to a collective noun: A number of my interests and hobbies seem strange to people.
• If the predicate contains a plural noun or adjective: Most of the books in grandfather's library were shabby.

Numeral / numeral + noun

Since the numeral does not have singular and plural forms, it is impossible to reconcile the predicate according to the standard scheme. You can choose the option that you like best. But there are several conditions that will help you make a choice in favor of one of the forms.

Singular

• If you want to point out the passivity of the subject: Five villages were flooded due to a major tsunami.
• If you want to show that the action is being performed together: Six archaeologists set off on an expedition.
• If the number ends in one: Thirty-one people came to the meeting.
• If we are talking about the measure of weight, space, time: Three months have passed since Katya's birthday. Five kilograms of apples were needed for five cans of compote.
• If the numeral is used without dependent words: 100 is divisible by both five and four.
• If the words are “thousand”, “million”, “billion”: A million fans watched the online concert.
• With the combination of the collective numeral and the pronoun "us", "you", "them": There are seven of us left.

Plural

• If it is necessary to emphasize that all those involved perform the action separately: Five journalists worked at the press conference.
• If you need to indicate the activity of the subject: Two hurricanes hit the west coast of North America.
• If there is a plural definition specifying the subject (all, these, others, any): All four were involved in the robbery.

A noun with an approximate amount

In this case, you can use both forms, but if you want to indicate the participation of all actors, it is better to use the plural.

Noun + adverb / pronoun

In the academic "Russian grammar" it is recommended to use only the predicate singular with such a subject. But the more recent "Guide to Spelling, Pronunciation, Literary Editing" allows both options. So the plural is not a mistake.

Noun meaning definite / indefinite quantity

In these cases, you can use only the singular form: and if such a noun stands alone, and if in conjunction with another noun.

Noun with "floor-"

Usually such subjects require a singular, but there are exceptions. The plural form can be used when talking about someone animate: Half-groups came unprepared.

If with the subject there is a defining word in the plural form, then the predicate is only in the plural: These one and a half pages were not easy for me.

Two nouns / noun + pronoun / two pronouns connected by the preposition "s" ("for")

In such cases, you can use both forms of the predicate. To choose the singular or plural, there are a few details to pay attention to.

Only singular

• If the action is performed by one person with the help of another, then these are not homogeneous subjects, but a subject and an object: Denis and his dad went to kindergarten.
• If there are words "together", "together": Alexander arrived in Riga with Veronika.
• If there are pronouns "I" or "you": I drew a picture with Pasha.

Plural only

• If the characters are equally involved in the process: Katya and her mother were preparing dinner.
• If the lexical meaning of the predicate indicates the possibility of joint action: Vanya and Natasha settled in the same hotel.
• If between nouns there is a preposition "for": Day after day pass unnoticed.
• If there are pronouns "we" or "you": Katya and I solved the problem.