This one came up just today: Is majority singular or plural?
Well…yes. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples, both of which were overheard in the corporate break room here at helveticka world headquarters.
“Skooch isn’t an anomaly. After all, the majority of men are knuckle-dragging Neanderthals.”
“The majority is with me. I have the support of the trade unions, the executive officers, and the board of directors. CK is out – and I will rule this company with an iron fist!”
In the first example, majority describes a collection of individuals, and is therefore plural (“majority…are”). In the second, it refers to a group, making it singular (“majority is”). Not convinced? Try switching the verbs, and you’ll see what I mean.
