Should we use a singular or plural verb with ‘more than one’?
E.g.
There is/are more than one way…
More than one person has/have…
There is more than one way…
More than one person has…
That’s counter-intuitive as ‘more than one’ is plural. Is any grammar website to properly explain this? Thanks.
According to the American Heritage Dictionary of English Usage:
When a noun phrase contains more than one and a singular noun, the verb is normally singular: There is more than one way to skin a cat. More than one editor is working on that project. More than one field has been planted with oats. When more than one is followed by of and a plural noun, the verb is plural: More than one of the paintings were stolen. More than one of the cottages are for sale. When more than one stands alone, it usually takes a singular verb, but it may take a plural verb if the notion of multiplicity predominates: The operating rooms are all in good order. More than one is (or are) equipped with the latest imaging technology.
[Note also: Fewer than two cookies remain in the jar. Counterintuitive?]
What about this?
One of your friends is welcome. (Grammatical rule: “singular verbs to non-plural nouns and plural verbs to plural nouns”)
But,
Either of your friends are welcome. (Proximity rule? i.e.“choose a verbal form to agree to the form of the nearest noun in the subject noun phrase”)
We’re not talking about those formations here, though. Or are you changing the subject?
It seems that ‘more than one… is’ follows the proximity rule like the ‘either of your friends are’ example; ‘either’ means singular.
Hi,
I’d like to know whether this rule is also acceptable in UK and other English-speaking countries?
Thank you.
Justin
yes