Which of the following two sentences is the correct one?
(1) All previous work is in the file.
(2) All previous work are in the file.
Google search turned up documents using both forms, but the "is" form was most prevalent.
Thanks.
1
-
There are several past threads on number with collective and mass nouns which may be of interest; see e.g. “A variety of X is” vs. “a variety of X are”, A number of questions “has been” or “have been” asked?, “There’s” or “There are”?, and Are collective nouns always plural, or are certain ones singular?.– chosterCommented Apr 29, 2014 at 17:40
Add a comment
|
1 Answer
The first sentence is correct:
All previous work is in the file.
"Work" is an uncountable noun when used with this meaning, and thus should be treated as singular, meaning "is" is the correct verb here.
-
Put more simply, work is singular number; works is plural number. Verbs agree with their subjects in number. Commented Apr 29, 2014 at 3:01