Grammar Guide: Singular or Plural?

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association – 7th Edition – 9781433832178

Page 287 Review

“

Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement in Medical Writing

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of clear and accurate writing, particularly crucial in medical texts where precision is paramount. The core principle dictates that a verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. However, complexities arise when dealing with collective nouns and indefinite pronouns. Understanding these nuances is essential for crafting unambiguous and professional medical documents.

Collective Nouns: Singular or Plural?

Collective nouns, such as “group,” “team,” “committee,” “number,” and “pair,” can present a challenge regarding subject-verb agreement. The correct verb form hinges on whether the collective noun is acting as a unified entity or as a collection of individuals.

“If the action of the verb applies to members of the group as individuals, treat the noun as plural and use a plural verb. The context (i.e., your emphasis) determines whether the action applies to the group or to individuals.”

This statement highlights the crucial role of context in determining the appropriate verb form. If the collective noun is performing a single, unified action, it is treated as singular and takes a singular verb. Conversely, if the members of the group are acting individually or exhibiting varying characteristics, the collective noun is treated as plural and takes a plural verb.

Consider these examples, quoted directly from the text:

* **Singular in context: “The number of people in the state is growing.”** Here, “number” refers to the total quantity and is considered a single unit, hence the singular verb “is.”

* **Singular in context: “A pair of animals was in each cage.”** The “pair” is considered as a single unit that was placed in the cage

* **Plural in context: “A number of people are watching.”** In this case, “number” implies individual people acting separately, resulting in the plural verb “are.”

* **Plural in context: “A pair of animals were then yoked.”** The action of “yoked” implies the individual animals were connected together

The key takeaway is to carefully analyze the context and determine whether the collective noun is acting as a single unit or representing individual members.

Navigating the Use of “None”

The pronoun “none” is particularly tricky because it can function as either singular or plural. The determination depends on the noun that follows it. The rule is explicitly stated as follows:

“Use of “None.” The subject pronoun “none” can be singular or plural. When the noun that follows it is singular, use a singular verb; when the noun is…”

The text unfortunately cuts off the second part of the rule for “None,” but the complete rule is: when the noun that follows it is plural, use a plural verb.

For instance, “None of the medication *is* available” (singular) versus “None of the patients *are* responding” (plural). The grammatical logic dictates the verb choice, aligning with the number (singular or plural) of the noun modified by “none.”

Importance in Medical Writing

In medical writing, precision is not merely a stylistic preference; it is a necessity for patient safety, effective communication, and legal compliance. Ambiguous language can lead to misinterpretations, errors in treatment, and potentially harmful consequences. Therefore, mastering subject-verb agreement is paramount for medical professionals.

By adhering to the guidelines discussed above and carefully considering the context of each sentence, medical writers can ensure clarity, accuracy, and professionalism in their work, ultimately contributing to better patient care and outcomes.
“

Buy full ebook for only $25: https://www.lulu.com/shop/american-psychological-association/publication-manual-of-the-american-psychological-association/ebook/product-vq6e7z.html?q=Publication+Manual+of+the+American+Psychological+Association+7th+Edition&page=1&pageSize=4