RE: Is vs. Are

["Lauren" <lauren -at- writeco -dot- net>]

> From: Zen C

> Can you help me with this sentence. Should it be is or are?
> 
> To verify information *is* up to date, hover over the 
> relevant category.

> If a word is used both as singular and plural (can't think of 
> one right now)
> is the rule to read it as a singular and use "is" or to read 
> it as plural
> and use "are."

There could be a localization issue here because I've seen British-English
docs treat terms that are treated as singular in US-English as plural, such
as the term "data."  British docs state "data are" where American docs state
"data is."  Although, "data" can still be perceived as the plural of
something, but "information" is singular, as in "a collection" of something.

Decisions on whether to use "is" or "are" rely on whether a term is plural
and not just a representation of multiple things.  "Sheep" is either
singular or plural and the choice of "is" or "are" depends on whether the
particular usage of "sheep" is singular or plural.  What it comes down to is
whether the perception of the particular term is plural or singular.  The
contents of the term may be multiple, as in the word "group," but
multiplicity in the term does not make the term plural.  "Group" is still a
singular term as is "information."

> How do you spell the plural of status? Is it statuses or status'?? The
> Merriam Webster Dictionary says statuses, my  colleague says 
> status'. I am
> confused.

"Statuses."  I wonder about your colleague.  I think that in the case of an
assertion like this where the colleague suggests an unusual rule of using an
apostrophe to indicate a plural, then ask to see the authority that makes
the suggestion, like a style guide or dictionary.  An apostrophe to indicate
a plural sense of something is never used, except to clarify a usage where
the extra "s" can lead to confusion.  For example, in the plural for "UPS"
where "UPSs" may be confusing, "UPS's" is clearer and an appropriate
indication of plurality without possessiveness, although leaving the
apostrophe off is still acceptable.

Lauren

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or 
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007 
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more.
http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList

True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com

---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot- 

To unsubscribe send a blank email to 
techwr-l-unsubscribe -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
or visit http://lists.techwr-l.com/mailman/options/techwr-l/archive%40web.techwr-l.com


To subscribe, send a blank email to techwr-l-join -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com

Send administrative questions to admin -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-  Visit
http://www.techwr-l.com/ for more resources and info.