| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Unek
Joined: 01 Mar 2007
Posts: 8
|
 Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 6:52 am Post subject: plural |
 |
|
Hello!
I need some quick help from a native speaker. I just read in a book that in British English it is possible to say
Pittsburg is the champion AND Pittsburg are the champion
Is this really true? Shouldn't the latter sentence be
Pittsburg are the champions
or can I really say champion in the singular in both cases. Thanks a lot for your answer in advance! |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
patsteck
Joined: 09 Mar 2007
Posts: 8
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 9:49 am Post subject: those funny British speakers! |
|
|
| Hello-I believe that the Brits (British) do speak in this unusual way! In the United States we would only use the singular "Pittsburgh is the champion", but in England they often do use the plural "Pittsburgh are the champion." They also say they are going "to hospital" or "to university" and leave out the word "the" as we do here in the States. Best of Luck! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
CP
Joined: 12 Jun 2006
Posts: 2875
Location: California
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 2:55 am Post subject: |
|
|
This is one of the differences between American and British English. The British often seem to speak of groups of people in the plural, while the Americans use the singular. The team were lucky to win (Br) / The team was lucky to win (Am). The class were studying for an exam (Br) / The class was studying for an exam.
The British apparently think of the individuals who make up the group as the real subject, while the Americans think of the group as a unitary subject -- at least grammatically.
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
