Grammar for Grownups Top 10: A Blooper in the Society Pages
2024 Grammar-for-Grownups Top 10
Number 4: A Blooper in the Society Pages
In recent weeks, several readers have brought up one of my most cringe-worthy grammar peeves: using the incorrect subject-verb agreement with couple.
Couple should be treated as a singular noun. It is a collective noun. I’m afraid you’ll read it incorrectly in the society pages:
Following a honeymoon in Montana, the couple plan to reside in Jackson, Mississippi.
No.
The grammatically correct sentence is below:
Following a honeymoon in Montana, the couple plans to reside in Jackson, Mississippi.
These are correct agreements:
The couple plans
The couple has
The couple is
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