Subject-verb agreement, New York Times Approach

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CaseReynolds
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2010 8:03 pm

Subject-verb agreement, New York Times Approach

Post by CaseReynolds »

Hi,
I have a question: When referring to an institution, does CC prefer strict adherence to subject-verb agreement or is the NYT approach OK? For example, NYT approach (to avoid awkward references):
Purdue University's admission requirements include multiple criteria. They look for a 4.0 GPA, blah, blah, blah.

or (strict adherence): Purdue University's admission requirements include multiple criteria. It looks for a 4.0 GPA, blah, blah, blah.
Ed
Posts: 4686
Joined: Mon Feb 20, 2006 2:15 pm

Re: Subject-verb agreement, New York Times Approach

Post by Ed »

I prefer strict adherence. I think it's clearer, and many style guides/grammar guides agree.

Constant Content is a site for writers. It is always looking for excellent writers.

You can always write with the employees or executives of a company/university in mind.

Purdue University's admission requirements . . . Admissions staff members look for a 4.0 GPA. They . . .

Thanks,
Ed
CaseReynolds
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2010 8:03 pm

Re: Subject-verb agreement, New York Times Approach

Post by CaseReynolds »

Thanks, Ed.
Elizabeth Ann West
Posts: 561
Joined: Tue Nov 13, 2007 4:42 am
Location: Moncks Corner, SC
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Re: Subject-verb agreement, New York Times Approach

Post by Elizabeth Ann West »

That's what I LOVE about the English language, there is always a way to work around an issue. We may have a ton of insane rules, but there's always wiggle room. :)
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