"fall or falls?"

riceball72 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-Jun-2008, 01:15

Hi
Which one of these is correct or are they both OK? Is one to do with British use and one American use?
Is there a particular rule to this?

Sentence:

Around 168,000 cubic meters of water falls over the top of Niagara Falls every minute during tourist season.

An American friend said he would use 'fall'
To me 'falls' sounds more natural.....

Any help appreciated.

Thank you

Barb_D · #2 (**permalink**) 12-Jun-2008, 02:57

Your friend was a native speaker?
As an American, I would absolutely say "falls."

When you refer to a specific quantity, you use the singular.

engee30 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-Jun-2008, 08:28

Is it meters that fall, or is it water that does so? The answer is water, obviously.

Quote:

Originally Posted by riceball72

Around 168,000 cubic meters of water falls over the top of Niagara Falls every minute during tourist season.


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