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Bayeux Tapestry detail: Coronation of Harold, created by Myrabella, 2013, used under Creative Commons license

Bayeux Tapestry detail: Coronation of Harold, created by Myrabella, 2013, used under Creative Commons license

United States is v. are

March 14, 2020

8 October 2009

7 October:

Mark Liberman over at Language Log has an extensive article on 19th century subject-verb agreement with the subject “the United States.” The issue is more complex than most commentators give it credit for. Liberman also has some insightful comments on the utility and nature of online databases.

Update: 8 October

Liberman adds another post on the topic.

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