Couple problems

veronie · Sep 13, 2007

Here's the scenario. You're writing a headline for a newspaper. Which one should it be?

Couple give churches, nonprofits life-saving classes

-or-

Couple gives churches, nonprofits life-saving classes

Defend your answer.

Ziljon · Sep 13, 2007

Could you explain what it's supposed to mean?

I think you're trying to say a couple has donated life-saving classes to churches and nonprofit organizations.

veronie · Sep 13, 2007

Yes. A married couple teaches first aid and CPR classes to nonprofit organizations.

Ziljon · Sep 13, 2007

veronie said:
Yes. A married couple teaches first aid and CPR classes to nonprofit organizations.

Okay then, I think you need an extra comma and "gives."

"Couple gives churches, non-profits, lifesaving classes."

If it were "give" they would be donating churches, noprofit (organizations), and lifesaving classes.

rugcat · Sep 13, 2007

I've actually thought about this before.

A couple was walking down the street. (Couple being a singular noun, an entity.)

But, after the party, a couple (of the partygoers) were walking down the street.

Ziljon · Sep 13, 2007

Couple donates lifesaving classes to churches & non-profits.

LeonardK · Sep 14, 2007

Ziljon said:
Couple donates lifesaving classes to churches & non-profits.

Good but you've taken another column.

Couple is a collective noun, like 'family', 'jury', and normally takes a singular verb when acting as a collective, but a plural verb when acting apart, thus "The jury deliberates." and "Couple gives." Increasingly American English is dropping usage of the singular verb with collective nouns altogether, but you hear it a lot more in British English.

Duncan J Macdonald · Sep 14, 2007

veronie said:
Here's the scenario. You're writing a headline for a newspaper. Which one should it be?

Couple give churches, nonprofits life-saving classes

-or-

Couple gives churches, nonprofits life-saving classes

Defend your answer.

"Couple Gives Life-saving Classes" The to whom will be in the body of the article.

Unless the headline is for the Globe/Enquirer : "Baby Jesus Found!"

FennelGiraffe · Sep 14, 2007

LeonardK said:
Couple is a collective noun, like 'family', 'jury', and normally takes a singular verb when acting as a collective, but a plural verb when acting apart, thus "The jury deliberates." and "Couple gives."

Yes. Collective nouns depend on whether they are acting as a singular group or as plural individuals. In this case it sounds like something the couple is doing together, so "Couple gives".

Duncan J Macdonald said:
"Couple Gives Life-saving Classes" The to whom will be in the body of the article.

However, I also agree it's generally awkward as written. Simplifying it this way would be a good idea.

veronie · Sep 14, 2007

Thanks for responses. I wasn't asking for the headline to be rewritten. Granted, it is not the best headline. But my question was specifically on the grammar aspect of "couple."

Couple problems

veronie

practical experience, FTW

Ziljon

Tortilla di Patate

veronie

practical experience, FTW

Ziljon

Tortilla di Patate

rugcat

Lost in the Fog

Ziljon

Tortilla di Patate

LeonardK

Duncan J Macdonald

Plotting! Not Plodding!

FennelGiraffe

It's green they say

veronie

practical experience, FTW