Proofreading Service - Pain in the English
Proofreading Service - Pain in the English

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Proofreading Service - Pain in the English
Proofreading Service - Pain in the English

Your Pain Is Our Pleasure

24-Hour Proofreading Service—We proofread your Google Docs or Microsoft Word files. We hate grammatical errors with a passion. Learn More

The Old IS or ARE

I went to English exam today. One of the problem was very difficult for me. The problem is

Which is correct? 1) The old IS respected in our society. 2) The old ARE respected in our society.

I wrote #1 is correct . I wonder if I was right.

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I believe "The old ARE respected in our society." is the correct answer. "The old" isindirectly referring to a group of things (I'm assuming old people), rather than one single thing.

ibe Dec-09-2003

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(By the way, there was a similar mistake in your question. Here's more correct examples:
* One problem was very difficult for me.
* One of the problems was very difficult for me.
* Two of the problems were very difficult for me.)

mpt1 Dec-15-2003

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I'd say "The old are respected in our society." (Try switching "old" with "elderly," and it reads smoothly.)

However, if the context were talking about "old way" or "old customs" vs. "new ways" or "new customs," you could make a case for "The old is respected in our society."

T._Carter Dec-10-2003

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As ibe said, the key is to realize that "the old" is another way of saying "old people". "People" is plural, so you should use "are".

Other examples:
* The young today ARE so excitable.
* My eldest IS at school now.
* A mandarin and an orange taste similar. The latter IS bigger.
* Mandarins and oranges taste similar. The latter ARE bigger.

mpt1 Dec-13-2003

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Seems as though both are correct.

The old - as in anything that is old - can be respected.

Just like "The book is the most ancient form of entertainment..."

While awkward, it still works.

Alx Dec-27-2003

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'The old' must not be a term used singularly, as any one thing has many constitituent parts and therefore, anything relating to a vaguary should be phrased in plural form.

The possible exception is while 'the old' is a singular characteristic pertaining to all things, but with a very specific commencement, in a spiritually awakened observer-who may state 'the old is'...but with not even the semblence of finality of knowledge and enlightenment with which God could speak these words.

Ren Jan-05-2004

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The old ARE respected in our society. It implies old people, not an old object.

Tarsh Dec-16-2003

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Substitue "the elderly" for "the old", and it becomes pretty obvious that the plural form - "are" is the more usual, although strictly speaking either is acceptable.

K._Robson Jan-03-2004

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That depends if it's talking about old people, or an old custom or practice of some sort. Like, the old way, or the old ideal, or the old fashion. The question is unclear.

fi Jan-04-2004

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to answer your question, 'The old are...' is the correct form in the context given.

Bob3 Jan-05-2004

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You dipshit ...

Lucy1 Jan-05-2004

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Shit sorry I assumed you were english. If you aren't then it's an easy mistake to make. English is a horrid language to learn

Lucy1 Jan-05-2004

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DIPSHIT I AM 13 YEARS OLD AND KNOW THAT U ARE WRONG!!!!!!!

ALI Jan-05-2004

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a truth and beauty pertianing to all things is indeed inherant. however, the irreverance of the question is in itself destructive to its appreciation

Ren Jan-07-2004

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I have to agree with T. Carter...an argument can certainly be made either way.

Worse comes to worse, talk to your techer and see what can be done...maybe they will give you partial credit at least.

cpttactii Jan-13-2004

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In the absence of any context, the question refers to old people. The answer is 'are'.

Referring to people learning the language you have already learned as 'dipshits' is unhelpful and makes you look unpleasant.

M_Stevenson Apr-11-2004

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besides, Ali forgot to place the comma after "dipshit."

speedwell2 Apr-12-2004

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