Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Marrion]

MY FIRST QUESTION:

I have known that "a series of" must be used with "plural nouns" and "singular verbs" like this sentence, "There has been a series of sexual attacks on women in the area."

But I have seen that "a series of + plural nouns" is used with "plural verbs" like this sentence, "A series of suspicions have been raised over whether important national projects have been embroiled in lobbying by foreign businesses."
I think that when at this sentence, "A" is omitted, this sentence will be correct.
Do you agree with me? If not, why?

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MY SECOND QUESTION:

Usually "a series of" would be used with a plural, but Can I use "a series of" with "singular nouns" like this sentence, "A series of this year's event is to begin on April 3."?

[Mary W. Ng]

[Marrion]

I got it. I am sorry but I am confused....

I have taught that "a series of" is singular and "series of" is plural.

For example: There were three series of classical guitars in 2003.
There are series of models in my company.
A series of lectures is scheduled. When it has the plural sense of �two or more sets,� it takes a plural verb: Two series of lectures are scheduled: one for experts and one for laypeople.


And I have seen "a series of" is often used with "singular nouns".

For example: There is also a series of it, but It is best to watch..........
The second series of this movie is coming out on 11th November 2004!

[Mary W. Ng]

Series can be a singular or plural noun.

[Marrion]

I got it, sir.^0^

[Mary W. Ng]

Marrion,

Sometimes it's not easy to determine whether a subject is singular or plural. After answering your other questions, I'd like to reanswer these questions.

[Marrion]

Oh, I ask one more question of you.

Is "series" a collective noun?

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I always thank you for your kind answers.

[Mary W. Ng]

[Marrion]

Thank you, ma'am.