Which one is correct?
This:
Everyone chose XYZ because it (and the ones from last year) is the most reliable.
or:
Everyone chose XYZ because it (and the ones from last year) are the most reliable.
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1Parentheticals need not affect a sentence structure. Match grammatical number within the main structure (singular in this case). By the way, that's probably not a rule but merely a convention.– KrisCommented Jun 17, 2014 at 15:03
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This question may have already been answered on these pages.– KrisCommented Jun 17, 2014 at 15:03
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@Kris: that is true for most questions that are asked: they may have been answered somewhere one these pages, and otherwise, chances are they may have been answered on the internet, a written publication or a course. Without a reference to such an answer, that observation doesn't help the person looking for the answer, does it: ;)– oerkelensCommented Jun 17, 2014 at 15:20
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You could change it to "Everyone chose XYZ because it (as well as the ones from last year) is the most reliable", avoiding the question.– Peter ShorCommented Jun 17, 2014 at 18:23
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@oerkelens If a question has been answered on these pages, it's a dupe; it's easily found elsewhere, esp., on the Internet, then it's GR. Both cases are OT. See the FAQ.– KrisCommented Jun 18, 2014 at 5:48
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1 Answer
The first sentence is correct.
Everyone chose XYZ because it (and the ones from last year) is the most reliable.
In the case of conflict between grammatical numbers in the sentence, the pronoun is matched according to the main sentence, and not the phrase inside the parenthesis.
*Note: When you put something in parenthesis, the sentence should have complete meaning and correct grammar even if you completely remove the parenthesis.
answered Jun 17, 2014 at 18:31
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1What is the source of this information? Is it an opinion? I'm interested.– KrisCommented Jun 18, 2014 at 5:48
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Multiple sources, sorry I can not recall them for you, but I've had this discussion multiple times. But there is one thing to consider that's even above this rule. When you put something in parenthesis, the sentence should have complete meaning and correct grammar even if you completely remove the parenthesis. Commented Jun 18, 2014 at 5:55
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What is the source of the 'one thing to consider'? Is that an opinion?– KrisCommented Jun 18, 2014 at 6:00
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The source is from 2 of my high-school English teachers in Hillhead High-school, Glasgow, United Kingdom Commented Jun 18, 2014 at 6:16
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These are pretty basic grammar rules in the English language and questions regarding this matter is better asked in another community. Please visit ell.stackexchange.com for further information. Commented Jun 18, 2014 at 6:24