Help needed with English grammar ... gad but my mother tongue is confusing!
By jazzsue58
@jazzsue58 (2666)
May 21, 2009 11:07am CST
Writing I can do. Obeying the rules of English grammar I can't do. Right now, it's this thing about plurals. I'm writing a review on T Rex helis, and have got to:
"But advanced technology has seen a new generation of RC Electric Helicopters that are truly the equal of their big Nitro cousins – and it is headed by the Align T-Rex 600."
It catches me out time and time again. "it is headed" - should that be "they are" or is "it is" better? See, it's a new generation, which is singular; but then they are helicopters, which are plural. Or is that 'is plural'?
Gaaaaahhhhhh! Help me out here someone please! (I'm thinking a certain gentleman in sunny Worthing may be of use here)
1 person likes this
4 responses
@jazzsue58 (2666)
•
21 May 09
Thanks. I know the Collins English guide covers it somewhere - but it was easier to come here!
@phyrre (2317)
• United States
21 May 09
I'm no grammar expert (which is sad because I'm an English major), but I do believe you have it correct here. "it is headed" should be correct because the 'it' is taking the place of the noun 'generation', am I right? You're saying that the new generation of RC helicopters is headed by that one helicopter? So, I believe it is correct.
However, I do hope that someone who is a bit more knowledgeable in the area of grammar can help you. It's always been my weak spot.
@jazzsue58 (2666)
•
21 May 09
Thanks for that. It's one of those confusing things that would probably get me kicked out of Constant Content - if I could drum up the courage to submit anything in the first place!
@Darkwing (21583)
•
28 May 09
I would use the singular, "it is", as it pertains to one design, not a number of designs. That's the way I was taught, anyhow. It's one design of one helicopter, rather than a whole group, if you get my drift.
Good luck with your review, Sue. I know you can make it. Brightest Blessings, my friend.
@charles63 (146)
• United States
22 May 09
What I would do is substitute "it" with what "it" refers to. So the second part of the sentence would read "and the technology is headed by...". Any confusion is thus avoided. Or you could write "and the helicopters are headed by..." Both versions are grammatically correct, and the reader does not have to track back to the beginning of the sentence to figure out what "it" or "they" refers to.
