We all use contractions (that’s what they’re there for); however, if we become too comfortable with them, we may make mistakes. One frequent error is with the use of there’s in reference to a plural word instead of a singular. Remember that there’s means there is.
For instance, you may hear or read, “Look! There’s three cars vying for that one parking space.” “Three cars” makes reference to more than one car. Therefore, it should be, “Look! There are three cars vying for that one parking space.”
And you wouldn’t want to say or write, “It seems there’s numerous reasons for his failure.” “Reasons” is plural so you want, “It seems there are numerous reasons for his failure.”
Sometimes we make these errors because we speak quickly and don’t really listen to ourselves. Watch what you write, and listen to yourself and those around you. If you are not in a position to correct the errors you see or hear, at least correct yourself!
For instance, you may hear or read, “Look! There’s three cars vying for that one parking space.” “Three cars” makes reference to more than one car. Therefore, it should be, “Look! There are three cars vying for that one parking space.”
And you wouldn’t want to say or write, “It seems there’s numerous reasons for his failure.” “Reasons” is plural so you want, “It seems there are numerous reasons for his failure.”
Sometimes we make these errors because we speak quickly and don’t really listen to ourselves. Watch what you write, and listen to yourself and those around you. If you are not in a position to correct the errors you see or hear, at least correct yourself!
RSS Feed