Sir: Doesn't "none" require a singular verb at all times? Example: "None of the boys is going" is correct to me. The subject is "none," which means no one or not one. I do not think the verb is dependent on the noun in the phrase "of the boys." Am I correct?
- Connie S.
Answer: No, you're not. You may be logical, but it's a tricky language. "None" may take either a singular or a plural verb, and as a matter of fact the plural is more common.
Use a singular verb when "none" can be construed as singular: "None of the cake was eaten." But use a plural verb when "none" can be construed as plural: "None are so blind as those who cannot see." In many cases, of course, "none" can be logically construed as either singular or plural, and in that case you may feel free to use either verb. In the example you cited, either "is" or "are" is correct.
Sir: A story in my newspaper said "she is one of those who was willing to speak out." Is "was" correct? Shouldn't it be "were"? "Of those who were . . ." sounds better. Grammar can be so nit-picky.
- J.S.F.
Answer: It can indeed, but I agree with you completely: It should be "she is one of those who were . . ." But I must regretfully confess that some authorities insist it's all right to use the singular verb if you prefer. That leaves me feeling just as frustrated as the reader who thinks "none" should always take a singular verb. 'Tain't fair!
Sir: I have been hearing people say "flustrate" when I believe they mean to say "frustrate." I believe they may have inadvertently combined "fluster" with "frustrate." Is this becoming common elsewhere? - Mark N.
Answer: It's been moderately common for more than 200 years, sir, and it's not based on inadvertence. But yours is a good guess. Many people think it's right.
STARTLED QUERY of the week, from Cathy F.:
"A letter explaining payment policies at my son's day-care center said: `If balance is not kept up within 30 days, the Center has the right to terminate the child.' I know deadbeat parents must be a problem, but isn't this just a bit drastic?"
WRY COMMENT of the week, from Carol T:
"A wrapper on a fruit bar I bought says the bar is `Quiescently frozen fruit ice.' I suppose those poor things just lie down and never make a peep while some machine freezes them."
Send questions, comments, and good and bad examples to Lydel Sims, Watch Your Language, 366 S. Highland, Apt. 410, Memphis, TN 38111. If you quote a book, please give author, title and page number. Sorry, but questions can be answered only through this column.