Re: Jacob Rees-Mogg lays the law down on Grammar.
Originally Posted by
ruthio
->
A very amusing thread!
Just one item on JRM's list that I simply don't understand and that is the first item:
Organisations are SINGULAR
Can someone please explain to this thicko exactly what this means?
Take an organisation, say RSPCA, or South West Trains, how can it be singular or plural?
And in what context does he mean it should always be singular.
I'm obviously totally missing the point, but I simply don't understand his instruction.
If an organisation is treated as a singular entity, then one should be consistent in referring to it as one entity, so one shouldn’t use words that refer to a single entity using plural words, such as “they” instead of “it”, “have” instead of “has”.
I don’t know what the proper grammatical word is to describe these type of words but if you think of the differences in words you use in sentences referring to one person or two people, it will all become clear.
e.g.
General Motors published
its new range of vehicles.
RSPCA
has published
its annual accounts
The lease of the Head Office of South West Trains will expire next month.
It is looking for new premises.
Whereas, referring to two entities you would use words denoting plural.
South West Trains and Rail Link
have joined forces to present
their plans for next year