Korean Job Discussion Forums

[denverdeath]

Looks like canada set us ALL straight!

http://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2guides/guides/wrtps/index-eng.html?lang=eng&lettr=indx_catlog_v&page=9SC4lWsaAlSw.html

Aaaaaarrrgh! Koreans right AGAIN! Actually we're ALL right! Har har...

"Exception

An exception occurs when there is a list of nouns as subject. Logically, a list of two or more items would be plural and would therefore require a plural verb:

There are a punch bowl, finger foods and a cake on the table.

But it sounds odd to have are next to the singular noun phrase a punch bowl. The verb is would sound better:

There is a punch bowl, finger foods and a cake on the table.

So which of these sentences is correct? The answer is both. The first one follows the standard rule. But the second is also accepted, and many writers would prefer it because it sounds more natural. Therefore, when the subject after there is or there are is a list of items, you can make your verb agree with the first noun in the list.

Note: Although there is or there are constructions are useful in some situations, some writers prefer to reword the sentence. If you decide to reword and put the list before the verb, you must make the verb agree with the plural list (and not just the closest item):

A punch bowl, finger foods and a cake are on the table."

[nicwr2002]

[Chaucer]

It's prescriptive, the grammar mentioned that is.

[SuperfuzzBigmuff]

If a Korean English teacher is giving you grief about grammar, just get them to try and produce some sentences themselves. They are good at finding faults in other people’s writing, but they can’t even write a short paragraph without errors. One of my co-teachers, who keeps reminding me that she has a Masters in English, has the written skills of a primary school student.

[young_clinton]

"Are" is the correct usage for a list of items like that.

[nicwr2002]