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Chan-Seung Lee
Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Posts: 1032
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 Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:13 am Post subject: they |
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| Depending on the jurisdiction, traffic may turn after stopping on a red (right in right-lane-driving countries; left in left-lane-driving countries), provided they yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. |
What does 'they' mean in the above?
Thanks. |
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cgage2
Joined: 11 Jun 2007
Posts: 192
Location: US
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| Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:36 am Post subject: |
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| "they" refers to the traffic that stops and then yields before proceeding to turn on a red signal |
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Chan-Seung Lee
Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Posts: 1032
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| Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 7:54 am Post subject: |
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As I know, 'traffic' is the singular noun so I think it cannot be 'they' but it should be 'it'. Can you explain it to me?
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cgage2
Joined: 11 Jun 2007
Posts: 192
Location: US
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| Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 8:44 am Post subject: |
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Excellent question!
It is true that traffic is singular. However, in this case traffic represents the plural cars, trucks, etc. So it also makes sense to use plural. Plural sounds more natural to me. Any grammarians want to comment further on this?
P.S. Although you will want to speak and write as perfectly as possible for your school, university classes, and workplace, be aware that many Americans often do NOT use correct grammar.
For example, there was another post today regarding the use of the relative pronouns, "that" and "who". A lot of Americans don't know the difference, or care. |
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