The 3 sentences given below are taken from Manhattan Sentence Correction Guide. Though they have given explanation for the first two I could not understand its usage clearly. The 3 sentences given are CORRECT according to the guide.
Can someone help?
The guide tells;
Numerical words-majority,minority,plurality-can be either singular or plural depending on their context.
If one means the many individual parts of the totality, then use a plural verb form:
1. The majority of the students in this class ARE hard workers.
If one means the totality itself, then use a singular verb form:
2. The student majority IS opposed to the death penalty.
3. A majority of railway commuters reads or listens to music while traveling.
Can someone help?
The guide tells;
Numerical words-majority,minority,plurality-can be either singular or plural depending on their context.
If one means the many individual parts of the totality, then use a plural verb form:
1. The majority of the students in this class ARE hard workers.
If one means the totality itself, then use a singular verb form:
2. The student majority IS opposed to the death penalty.
3. A majority of railway commuters reads or listens to music while traveling.
