I know it's Qantas, but.....

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Feb 20, 2017, 12:20 pm

#46

Dave Noble

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky_man

I could extend my daughter's school quite some forgiveness on grammar in exchange for the documents they produce being even remotely comprehensible. I wouldn't bat an eye lid over a 'u' in 'Qantas'. Her only salvation I believe is to have two half literate parents.

I think you mean "documents it produces"

Feb 20, 2017, 2:35 pm

#47

Calchas

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Noble

I think you mean "documents it produces"

In British English and in the UK in particular, we treat collective nouns and nouns representing multiple people as plural objects. A school cannot produce documents, only the people in the school can produce the documents.

Feb 20, 2017, 3:06 pm

#48

Dave Noble

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Calchas

It is still a singlular noun - that some treat it as a plural noun does not make it so

And if the comment was that the "school staff produce documents" , then the plural form would be correct

There are plenty of plural nouns around, but school isn't one of them

Feb 20, 2017, 3:56 pm

#49

Calchas

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Noble

It is still a singlular noun - that some treat it as a plural noun does not make it so

Yes it does.

Language is beholden to its speakers.

That said I am firmly of the view that "data" is a plural noun.

Feb 20, 2017, 7:26 pm

#50

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Calchas

Yes it does.

Language is beholden to its speakers.

Same with correct punctuation (not yours, but others..)

Feb 20, 2017, 7:31 pm

#51

BadgerBoi

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Exleftseat

Hi all, obviously I got plenty of time on hand. We all know most non Australians spell the airline with an "u" like Quantas. So, I know that's a non Australian habit since ( I think ) we have no word that does not have an "U" attached to the Q. My question is how many Australians have "problems" with
the airline's name. Sure, this will be unscientific but I would love to know being a victim of wrong spelling for decades. Obviously please take this post with tongue in cheek, please.

only an Aumerican would ask such a question.