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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