trying to understand the grammar

BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

This topic has expert replies

Post new topic Locked

Previous Topic Next Topic

aj5105: Legendary Member; Posts: 1169; Joined: Sun Jul 06, 2008 2:34 am; Thanked: 25 times; Followed by:1 members

trying to understand the grammar

by aj5105 » Wed May 20, 2009 10:25 pm

I found the below sentence on a website belonging to a very reputed newspaper. I am trying to understand more about the grammar used in this sentence.

"It is little wonder that one in five New Orleans residents say they are considering leaving."

My problem is with the usage of they (and obviously are)

Help appreciated.

Quote

Source: Beat The GMAT — Sentence Correction | Wed May 20, 2009 10:25 pm

Svedankae: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 101; Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2009 12:30 am; Thanked: 2 times; GMAT Score:750

by Svedankae » Thu May 21, 2009 4:14 am

Shouldnt it read

One in five sayS he/she considers leaving

?[/b]

Quote

bluementor: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 418; Joined: Wed Jun 11, 2008 5:29 am; Thanked: 65 times

Re: trying to understand the grammar

by bluementor » Thu May 21, 2009 5:08 am

aj5105 wrote: "It is little wonder that one in five New Orleans residents say they are considering leaving."

My problem is with the usage of they (and obviously are)

one in five New Orleans residents does not mean there is only one resident who is considering leaving. You could replace one in five with twenty percent of and you will see that the usage of 'they' is more obvious.

IMO, 'they' as it's used in the sentence is correct.

-BM-