is/are

[Tan Elaine]

Tedtmc says, "One thing I have noticed from Elaine's previous postings is that she is one of a few who would state her preference to have native speakers answer her questions and would tend to only acknowledge replies from native speakers."

Below is the reply to Tedtmc's question in relation to all the other threads, not this particular thread.

Originally Posted by Tan Elaine
I do not agree with you that I prefer native speakers to answer my questions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tan Elaine
I would like an answer from a native speaker, preferably.


Tan, you have put in countless threads related to subject verb-agreement over a fairly long period of time. What do you think could lie behind the fact that you are still incapable to get the picture.


Yes, I would prefer a native speaker to confirm that the qualified English language teacher from the established English language school is wrong.

Please note that in all my other posts, I have never directed my questions to native speakers. It is evidence that I do respect non-native speakers' replies.

You should have just told me which verb to use and why instead of passing negative comment. If you had done so, I would not have to ask a native speaker to confirm. You will notice this is my approach in all the other threads if you bother to go through them.

It is a requirement of this forum that you state that you are not a teacher, but you did not do so.

 

[emsr2d2]

The realism of Zola's scenarios in his novels is/are reflected in the streets the narrator saw.

Which verb should I use?

Many thanks.

I realise that the question has already been answered, but I have just been reading through the responses to the thread and would like to add my thoughts.

Whilst the OP might have asked similar questions in the past, if this is a grammatical area that is causing him/her some problems, then there is no reason not to post the question. I agree that the OP probably "knows" the answer already, but if s/he wants reassurance, then that's fine.

This particular area is one with which some of my advanced students still have a problem. The sticking point seems to come with the word order. They have all learnt that a singular noun should be followed by "is" and a plural noun by "are". In the sentence quoted, "is" is the correct answer but the final sentence then reads "....his novels is.....". At first glance, many non-natives might think that that must be incorrect. Surely "novels" should be followed by "are"?! Yes, many of us know that the subject of the sentence is "realism" (singular) therefore takes "is", but I can entirely see where the confusion stems from.

At some point in the future, there will be a moment of sudden "Aha!" where it all falls into place, but everyone is different and no-one can say when that point will come. Until then, students should feel free to keep posting!

 

[tedtmc]

Originally Posted by Tan Elaine
I do not agree with you that I prefer native speakers to answer my questions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tan Elaine
I would like an answer from a native speaker, preferably.

Tan
The above quotes you have taken from corum's posts show that you were contradicting yourself even within this thread. Don't you see his point?

 

[Tan Elaine]

Tan
The above quotes you have taken from corum's posts show that you were contradicting yourself even within this thread. Don't you see his point?

Please read my reply above your post. When Corum passed unpleasant comments about my lack of understanding, as though he were a non-native authority on English, I felt the need to refer the question to a native speaker.

If, as I said earlier, Corum had told me which verb to use and why, I would have accepted the answer without referring the question to a native speaker.

Please go through my previous posts if you bother to. I have never specifically asked native speakers for a reply. Also, I have thanked non-natives for their replies.

 

[euncu]

What does "period" mean? You close the session? :lol:
Are you a judge?
Yes, but this does not change the fact that this is a tactless thing to do. It is a free world. We have the right to do many things. But do we pause for a second and ask ourselves, "Will I tread on others' feelings? Seldom. We just look out for number one.

The forums' rules draw the line, and as far as I remember those rules don't include being tactful. Some people may not have the socials skills that you have made us clear that you do have. (poor me!)

Drop that "period", euncu: stilistically very poor and awkward, really. Trust me it is.

Periods are forever (Exclamation mark)

Just don't expect other members to behave as you wish them to do, as if they were created in your own image. Inside the circle that has been drawn by the rules, we are free to do whatever we'd like. Just as you said; it's a free world.

And, as for our original issue. I might understand that if, in some cases, of course, it really takes some native-speakers to answer the questions, like;

How do you say it in the South England?, Does this one sound awkard to an American?, Does that sound as formal as expected in a court of law?, etc. (My examples may not be the perfect ones, but I guess they make myself clear)

But when it comes to tell "is" from "are", Hell, no (Exclamation mark), every one should be invited.

 

[IHIVG]

^^^^^^^^
:roll:

I initially thought that it would be best not to reply at all, but there was one thing that caught my eye and I just couldn't resist pointing it out:
I'm NOT a guy. I'm a gal. And yes, long-legged, dark-haired and attractive. Does it make you any happier?
I hope this was the last time I talked to you as it's not worth my time and effort to hold pointless conversations with people who could clearly do with a lot more respect for themselves and others.

I hope this thread dies down now.

 

[corum]

Periods are forever (Exclamation mark)

This part I do not really get.

The forums' rules draw the line, and as far as I remember those rules don't include being tactful.

I am not talking about abiding by the forum rules here and of course it does not mean I disagree with them.

Some people may not have the socials skills that you have made us clear [STRIKE]that[/STRIKE] you (do) have. (poor me!)

These people need advice not only on English, but also on how to avoid further faux-paus, how to spare others' blushes, in the future. I am helping Tan and I am helping the forum's atmosphere in the long run. I am doing good. Can't you see it? ;-)
I never claimed the moral high ground and I know you know that. I have my own transgressions occasionally (okay, most of the time ) too for which I am invariably kicked in the backside and I am perfectly happy with that. Again, that is a different kettle of fish.

Just don't expect other members to behave as you wish them to do, as if they were created in your own image. Inside the circle that has been drawn by the rules, we are free to do whatever we'd like. Just as you said; it's a free world.

I was trying to beat the drum against intellectual discrimination at UE. True, manifesting partiality based on others' intellect is not forbidden here, but does it mean we have to accept that it is all over the place? I do not think what the forum rules set out necessarily coincide with what most people think is moral. You seem to try to abide by the forum rules and I seem to abide by what I and many more people around me think is moral. Morality is a subjective notion, true, but there are clear-cut cases like killing others or insulting others' intellect. You know what I mean?

And, as for our original issue. I might understand that if, in some cases, of course, it really takes some native-speakers to answer the questions, like;
How do you say it in the South England?, Does this one sound awkard to an American?, Does that sound as formal as expected in a court of law?, etc. (My examples may not be the perfect ones, but I guess they make myself clear)

Yes, I follow you. Those instances go down my throat; those I can fully accept and understand.
It happened to me once here at UE that a guy posted a question and I answered. He deleted the thread, put in the question again, and wrote something along the lines of "non-natives please refrain from answering!" You see, it is not against the forum rules. It is against something else. It is against something much more important than the forum rules. It is against how we should interact with each other if we want to maintain civility here. I objected and send the guy privately to where I think he belongs. The guy did not understand my objection. So I decided to help him and I explained it to him. I firmly believe the moral content of this case should not be a matter of diversity of cultures just like, say, the legitimacy of killing people should not be a matter of diversity of cultures. They should be no go in absolute terms. You know what I mean?

But when it comes to tell "is" from "are", Hell, no (Exclamation mark), [STRIKE]every one[/STRIKE] EVERYONE should be invited.

:up:

 

[corum]

attractive

If your aesthetic appeal is so charming as your manners, I guess you can attract only this:

Same with me, I guess, but I never said I was attractive.