These phrases came up in a story today.
Which would/should you choose?
the couple wear(s) matching smiles
the couple steal(s) a moment together
the couple steal(s) a moment alone
the couple take(s) their first spin on the dance floorAnd why?
I'll come put my answers in the Comments
OK, here's what I did
ReplyDeletethere are two smiles
the couple have matching smiles
because of "together," there are two people
the couple steal a moment together
when they are focusing on the two of them being apart from others, we can emphasize the single unit
the couple steals a moment alone
they are having a spin, but it is *a* spin, and we can emphasize the oneness
the couple take their first spin on the dance floor
Would you do it differenty?
Doesn't the verb modify the noun "couple" which is singular and there fore the (s) is needed in all of your phrases?
ReplyDeleteThat's the thing w/ "couple"--it is a singular or a plural, depending on the context and the emphasis (per Words Into Type)
ReplyDeleteBeing a Brit, I'm inclined towards the plural form in all cases (wear, steal etc).
ReplyDeleteIn No. 2, "together" led me to make couple singular--they're doing it together, so they're acting as one. I agree on the others.
ReplyDelete