[Grammar] What is the correct verb?

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donnagadia

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Hi!

Can anyone please tell me which verb is correct in the sentence: The new generation of job seekers is or are?

I am under the impression that the subject here is 'the new generation' and that 'of job seekers' is a prepositional phrase, but I was told that 'the new generation of job seekers' is a complex subject and requires a plural verb.

Please help!

Thank you!

Donna
 
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donnagadia

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Which is the correct verb?

Hi!

Can anyone please tell me which verb is correct in the sentence: The new generation of job seekers is or are?

I am under the impression that the subject here is 'the new generation' and that 'of job seekers' is a prepositional phrase, but I was told that 'the new generation of job seekers' is a complex subject and requires a plural verb.

Please help!

Thank you!

Donna
 

bhaisahab

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Re: Which is the correct verb?

Hi!

Can anyone please tell me which verb is correct in the sentence: The new generation of job seekers is or are?

I am under the impression that the subject here is 'the new generation' and that 'of job seekers' is a prepositional phrase, but I was told that 'the new generation of job seekers' is a complex subject and requires a plural verb.

Please help!

Thank you!

Donna
In my opinion either would be OK.
 

susiedq

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'generation" is a collective noun.

It can use either the singular or plural verb in your sample sentence.

The new generation of job seekers are out of luck in this economy.

The new generation of job seekers is out of luck in this economy.
 

billmcd

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TheParser

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Hi!

Can anyone please tell me which verb is correct in the sentence: The new generation of job seekers is or are?

I am under the impression that the subject here is 'the new generation' and that 'of job seekers' is a prepositional phrase, but I was told that 'the new generation of job seekers' is a complex subject and requires a plural verb.

Please help!

Thank you!

Donna

NOT A TEACHER

(1) I think that many learners feel more self-confident if they have a

rule to follow.

(2) I think that many (most?) Americans prefer the singular for

collective nouns unless there is a very logical reason to use the

plural.

(3) I, too, vote for "is" in your sentence.
 

donnagadia

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Re: Which is the correct verb?

Thank you for your response. I appreciate it :)
 

donnagadia

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Thank you for your responses guys! I appreciate it and I am happy because my answer (is) is correct; I am also happy to know that either of them is considered correct. :)
 

Barb_D

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Hi Donna,
Welcome to the forums. I've merged your two threads since each had answers. Please ask a question only once in the future. Thanks!
 
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