Question?

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Engjuliawu
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Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Mar 28, 2006 3:20 pm

Question?

Unread post by Engjuliawu »

Here is eighty dollars.
Here is your change, eighty dollars.

It uses singular verb in both sentences.
Is that right?
Can it be use with plural verb in the sentences?
Which verb is correct?
Can someone help me to the answer.
Thank you so much.
I'm not only a teacher but also a learner.
Mila
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Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:26 pm

Singular verb

Unread post by Mila »

Yes, "here is eighty dollars" & "here is your change" requires a singular verb "is". You cannot say "here are your 80 dollars" because dollars (money) is always non-count and no matter how many dollars, it's always singular.
Hope that helps!
GiddyGad
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Joined: Thu May 12, 2005 3:17 pm

Re: Singular verb

Unread post by GiddyGad »

Mila wrote:...and no matter how many dollars, it's always singular...
... unless you mean 80 separate one-dollar bills.

Cheers,
GiddyGad
Engjuliawu
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Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Mar 28, 2006 3:20 pm

Re: Singular verb

Unread post by Engjuliawu »

Mila wrote:Yes, "here is eighty dollars" & "here is your change" requires a singular verb "is". You cannot say "here are your 80 dollars" because dollars (money) is always non-count and no matter how many dollars, it's always singular.
Hope that helps!
It's really helpful.
Thanks!
Engjuliawu
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Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Mar 28, 2006 3:20 pm

Re: Singular verb

Unread post by Engjuliawu »

... unless you mean 80 separate one-dollar bills

You mean if the change includes coins and bills, we should use plural verb,right?
GiddyGad
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Posts: 36
Joined: Thu May 12, 2005 3:17 pm

Re: Singular verb

Unread post by GiddyGad »

Engjuliawu wrote:You mean if the change includes coins and bills, we should use plural verb,right?
I mean there's much more to a language than just pronouncing correct phrases.

You choose how to say what you mean - be it a sum of money (singular) or a few paper bills (plural). As for coins (without bills) - they are always plural, if more than a single coin. Anyway, it wouldn't be a mistake to say: "Here are 80 dollars and two nickels."

Smiles,
GiddyGad
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