Group -- US vs. UK differences?

Posted by Pdianek on November 03, 2003

In Reply to: Group posted by R. Berg on November 03, 2003

: : : Should we say: a group of words that HAS or HAVE a special meaning? Where can I find more info about grammatical rules related to this topic?

: : My opinion -- group HAS.

: The answer depends on what you intend to say has a special meaning. If it's the group, then "has." If it's the words, then "have." Most likely the words have meanings, the group doesn't, so you'd go with "have." "A group of words that have special meanings."

This may be related or not: as an American, I'm often taken aback by the British tendency to pluralize corporate entities. Perhaps they're puzzled by our usage!

Examples: UK: "Parliament HAVE said that immigrants..." versus US: "Congress HAS said that immigrants". Or: UK: "BBC1 PRESENT a story..." vs US: NBC PRESENTS a story...".

In America, a corporation or corporate entity is treated linguistically as a single person. That's why I would say "the group HAS....". But someone from the UK (and Commonwealth?) might perhaps say "The group HAVE...".

Responses, any UK fans?

• Group -- US vs. UK differences? Henry 03/November/03
  • Working as a unit or not ESC 03/November/03
    • Working as a unit or not Bob 03/November/03
      • Working as a unit or not Lotg 08/November/03