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Subject-verb agreement, New York Times Approach

Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 2:06 pm
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.

Re: Subject-verb agreement, New York Times Approach

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 6:33 am
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

Re: Subject-verb agreement, New York Times Approach

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:15 am
by CaseReynolds
Thanks, Ed.

Re: Subject-verb agreement, New York Times Approach

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 7:38 pm
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. :)