The English language is full of quirks and nuances that can often leave even the most seasoned linguists scratching their heads. One such conundrum that has sparked heated debates among grammar enthusiasts is the question of whether the verb “thinks” is plural or singular. In this article, we’ll delve into the complexities of this issue, exploring the arguments for both sides and examining the grammatical rules that govern the use of “thinks”.
The Case for Singular
On the surface, it may seem intuitive to consider “thinks” a singular verb, as it appears to be the third person singular present tense of the verb “to think”. In fact, many grammarians and language authorities, including the esteemed Oxford English Dictionary, treat “thinks” as a singular verb. This perspective is rooted in the traditional understanding of verb conjugation in English, where the third person singular form of a verb typically ends in “-s” or “-es”.
For instance, consider the following sentence:
“She thinks that the answer is correct.”
In this context, “thinks” is clearly the third person singular form of the verb, agreeing with the singular subject “she”. This sentence structure is straightforward and follows the standard rules of subject-verb agreement.
Agreement with Singular Nouns
Another argument in favor of considering “thinks” singular is its behavior when paired with singular nouns. Take, for example, the sentence:
“The cat thinks it’s hungry.”
Here, the verb “thinks” agrees with the singular subject “cat”, maintaining the expected singular form. This consistency in verb agreement is a hallmark of grammatical correctness and bolsters the case for “thinks” being a singular verb.
The Case for Plural
However, not everyone agrees that “thinks” is inherently singular. Some linguists argue that, in certain contexts, “thinks” can function as a plural verb, particularly when paired with plural subjects or in situations where the subject is ambiguous or implied.
Ambiguous Subjects
Consider the following sentence:
“The people thinks that the answer is correct.”
At first glance, this sentence appears to be grammatically incorrect, as “people” is a plural noun and “thinks” is typically treated as a singular verb. However, some argue that in certain dialects or registers of English, “people” can be used as a collective noun, implying a singular entity. In this scenario, “thinks” could be seen as agreeing with the implied singular subject, rather than the plural noun “people”.
Quantifier-Noun Phrases
Another context where “thinks” might be considered plural is in quantifier-noun phrases, such as “all think” or “both think”. In these instances, the verb “think” agrees with the plural quantifier, taking on a plural form.
| Quantifier | Noun | Verb Agreement |
| — | — | — |
| All | Students | Think |
| Both | Experts | Think |
In these examples, “think” is clearly a plural verb, as it agrees with the plural quantifier and noun combination. Some argue that, by extension, “thinks” could also be treated as a plural verb in certain contexts.
The Gray Area: Contextual Dependence
As we’ve seen, both the singular and plural arguments for “thinks” have merit. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the verb’s grammatical status is often context-dependent.
Syntactic and Semantic Nuances
In reality, the classification of “thinks” as singular or plural largely hinges on the specific sentence structure and the intended meaning. For instance, consider the following sentence:
“Some people thinks that the answer is correct.”
In this example, “thinks” is often considered incorrect, as it appears to disagree with the plural subject “people”. However, if we rephrase the sentence to emphasize the individual people, the verb agreement changes:
“Some people, each of whom thinks that the answer is correct.”
Here, “thinks” is unequivocally singular, as it agrees with the implied singular subject “each”.
Register and Dialect
The status of “thinks” can also vary depending on the register and dialect of English. In some regional or cultural contexts, “thinks” may be used as a plural verb, while in others, it’s strictly singular. This highlights the importance of considering the linguistic and cultural background of the speaker or writer when evaluating verb agreement.
Conclusion
So, is “thinks” plural or singular? The answer, much like the English language itself, is complex and context-dependent. While traditional grammarians argue that “thinks” is singular, there are valid arguments for considering it plural in certain situations.
Ultimately, a nuanced understanding of grammatical principles, combined with sensitivity to linguistic and cultural variation, is essential for navigating the intricacies of verb agreement. By acknowledging the gray areas and complexities surrounding “thinks”, we can foster a more inclusive and adaptive approach to language, one that celebrates the diversity and richness of human communication.
Is “thinks” a plural or singular verb?
In modern English, “thinks” is generally considered a singular verb. This is because it agrees with a singular subject, such as “he,” “she,” or “it.” For example, in the sentence “She thinks the cake is delicious,” “thinks” is a singular verb because it agrees with the singular subject “she.”
In general, when the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb should also be singular. This rule applies to most verbs in English, including “thinks.” However, there are some exceptions and special cases, which can make things more complicated.
What about when “thinks” is used in a plural context?
Even when “thinks” is used in a plural context, it can still be considered a singular verb. For example, in the sentence “The people think the cake is delicious,” “think” is a plural verb because it agrees with the plural subject “people.” However, if you rewrite the sentence to use “thinks” instead, it would be singular, as in “Each person thinks the cake is delicious.”
In this case, “thinks” is still a singular verb because it agrees with the singular subject “person.” This can get confusing, especially when working with collective nouns or ambiguous subjects. It’s essential to consider the context and the subject-verb agreement to determine whether to use “thinks” as a singular or plural verb.
Is “thinks” always a singular verb in all languages?
No, “thinks” is not always a singular verb in all languages. In some languages, the verb conjugation changes depending on the subject’s number and person. For example, in French, the verb “penser” (to think) changes to “pensent” when the subject is a plural noun or pronoun.
In English, however, “thinks” is typically considered a singular verb, and its conjugation does not change dramatically with plural subjects. This is because English has a relatively simple verb conjugation system, especially compared to languages like French or Spanish.
Can “thinks” be used as a plural verb in certain cases?
Yes, in some cases, “thinks” can be used as a plural verb. For example, in informal writing or spoken language, it’s not uncommon to see “thinks” used as a plural verb, especially when the subject is a group of people or a collective noun.
However, in formal writing or in situations where grammatical precision is essential, it’s generally better to use “think” as the plural verb and reserve “thinks” for singular subjects. This helps to maintain clarity and avoid confusion.
What does the dictionary say about “thinks”?
Most dictionaries, including Merriam-Webster and Cambridge, define “thinks” as the third person singular present tense of the verb “think.” This means that, according to dictionary definitions, “thinks” is indeed a singular verb.
However, dictionaries also often provide examples of usage and exceptions to the rule. It’s essential to consult reputable dictionaries and style guides to understand the nuances of verb conjugation and subject-verb agreement.
How do style guides address the “thinks” debate?
Different style guides have different approaches to the “thinks” debate. The Chicago Manual of Style, for example, recommends using “thinks” as a singular verb, while the AP Stylebook suggests using “think” as the plural verb.
It’s essential to consult the relevant style guide for your particular writing context, whether it’s academic, journalistic, or creative writing. This helps to ensure consistency and clarity in your writing.
What’s the bottom line: is “thinks” plural or singular?
In general, “thinks” is considered a singular verb in modern English. However, there are exceptions and special cases where it can be used as a plural verb. The key is to consider the subject-verb agreement, the context, and the style guide relevant to your writing.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to be consistent and clear in your writing. Whether you choose to use “thinks” as a singular or plural verb, make sure to apply the rules consistently throughout your text.