Re: Question on parenthetical element and verb plural/singular


Fred G wrote:
> Is a parenthetical element included when determining whether to use a
> singular or plural verb as in the following sentence?
>
> "The symphony, and especially its opening, are/is familiar to
> audiences around the world."
>
> In this instance, I think the verb should be singular, since the
> parenthetical element is referring back to _symphony_.
>

Correct. I would lose *and*. "The symphony, especially its opening,
is familiar to
audiences around the world."

> But consider the following sentence:
>
> "The doctor, and his assistants, was/were charged with negligence."
>
> Does the parenthetical element count when determining which verb to
> use?

I would get rid of the commas. "The doctor and his assistants were
charged with negligence."

-- Nate

.

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