Percentage vs. Percent (usage)

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fredo
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue May 06, 2003 1:04 pm

Percentage vs. Percent (usage)

Post by fredo » Tue May 06, 2003 1:09 pm

I knew this at one time, but seem to have forgotten.

Why is it "The percentage of students over 35 rose last year" versus "Seventeen percent of the students are over the age of 35"? I'm asking specifically about percentage IS vs. Percent ARE.
Help!
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fredo
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue May 06, 2003 1:04 pm

Whoops, let me rephrase that

Post by fredo » Wed May 07, 2003 3:16 am

I understand about percent - but am unsure about percentage.

The percentage of students under age 35 is twelve. Is that correct? Or should it take a plural verb? My rationale is that the percentage is one number - such as the number (not the amount) twelve.

Any help will be appreciated.
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