Help...

Posted by Shan on August 08, 2002

I am in the midst of editing a document which must retain British usage of English. There are inconsistencies regarding subject/predicate agreement. I'm wondering if anyone here could help me with the rules regarding same.

For instance, when "the company" or "management" is the suject of the sentence, should the predicate, indeed be plural, rather than singular, as it would be in American English?

Examples:

Brit: The company were engaged in selling their assets.
Amer: The company was engaged in its assets.

Brit: Management were thrilled.
Amer: Management was thrilled.

Am I correct in my assumptions, here? Is there a rule by which I may operate on this document?

Any help would be most appreciated. Thank you very much in advance.

Regards.

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