Doesn't/don't?

paochai01 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-Sep-2008, 22:21

If the staff doesn't/don't stop picking at each other, we won't meet our goals.

**Anglika** · #2 (**permalink**) 12-Sep-2008, 23:00

The verb will depend on whether "staff" is seen a collective noun taking the singular or a group of individuals when it takes the plural.

paochai01 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-Sep-2008, 23:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anglika

The verb will depend on whether "staff" is seen a collective noun taking the singular or a group of individuals when it takes the plural.

So either could be used depending on the speaker's point of view?

**Anglika** · #4 (**permalink**) 12-Sep-2008, 23:53

Yes

Raymott · #5 (**permalink**) 13-Sep-2008, 00:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by paochai01

If the staff doesn't/don't stop picking at each other, we won't meet our goals.

It has to be plural, because something singular can't pick at each other.

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