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About Rosemary Lenc
Expertise
I am a retired Middle School teacher. I am an expert in grammar (structure of the English language) and writing. I have been a volunteer with AOL Ask A Teacher and have submitted many articles and special collections (one on diagramming sentences and one with worksheets and answers so students can check their own practice on grammar skills) to their knowledge database. I still am with them but would like other work where I can help students with their English study. I have time to help you with this, if you want me. I can help with grade school, middle school and high school grammar & writing and can also look up information on literature (reading) for students and help them with it. Please let me know if I can be of help in these areas. Thank you. Rosemary Lenc

Experience

Past/Present clients
Have helped many, many students in grade school language arts, middle school and high
school grammar and writing in both the chat rooms (live help that AOL use to have) and
message board answers plus the many students i have taught as a teacher.

You are here: Experts > Kids > Language Arts for Kids > Language Arts for Kids > was vs were

Language Arts for Kids - was vs were

Expert: Rosemary Lenc - 7/17/2008

Question
It's been a number of years since I was in school; however, I believe I am correct in the following sentence:

"The couple was seated next to the door."

I frequently proof others' work and sometimes need to prove why I changed something. This particular person wrote "The couple were seated next to the door."

Answer
Dear Linda,
The correct usage would be "were". The reason is because you are treating the collective noun, couple, as individual not a group. Therefore each of the people that made up the "couple" would be seated by the door.

You would use "were" for plurals...both pronouns and nouns. The pronoun "you" is always considered as plural, even if you are referring to one person.

You would use "were" for subjunctive or conditional mood also.

The following sites may help you.

http://www.lousywriter.com/grammar_mistakes_was_or_were.php

http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/collectivenoun.htm

Hope this helps you.
Mrs. Lenc

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