Should you say a person’s whereabouts "is" unknown or "are" unknown?
Dictionaries say "whereabouts" is one of those words that may be used with either a singular or a plural verb. One reference book says the use of a plural verb is 10 times more common in print.
But stylebooks followed by journalists say "whereabouts" takes a singular verb. Example: His whereabouts is a mystery.
The "s" on the end of the noun is not intended to make the word plural, as if more than one "whereabout" is involved.
Don K. Ferguson, retired U.S. District Court chief deputy clerk, is a former member of the Knoxville City Council. He may be reached at ferguson111@comcast.net.
As a language enthusiast with a deep understanding of grammar and linguistic nuances, I can confidently address the question of whether to use a singular or plural verb when discussing a person's whereabouts. My expertise in language is not just theoretical; I have actively engaged with linguistic concepts and their applications.
In the given context, the question revolves around whether to say a person's whereabouts "is" unknown or "are" unknown. The key lies in recognizing that the word "whereabouts" is a bit of an anomaly in terms of verb agreement. Dictionaries acknowledge that it can be used with either a singular or a plural verb, adding an element of flexibility to its usage.
One piece of evidence supporting the use of a plural verb is cited in the article, mentioning that one reference book suggests the plural form is 10 times more common in print. This statistic underscores the variability in language usage and the acceptance of plural agreement in this specific case.
However, stylebooks, particularly those adhered to by journalists, lean toward the singular verb form. The example provided in the article, "His whereabouts is a mystery," illustrates this preference. It's important to note that the "s" at the end of "whereabouts" isn't there to signal plurality; rather, it serves a different grammatical function.
In conclusion, the choice between a singular or plural verb when expressing the unknown whereabouts of a person can be influenced by both personal preference and adherence to specific style guides. The language, being dynamic and evolving, allows for variations in usage, and understanding these subtleties is crucial for effective communication. Don K. Ferguson, the author of the article, draws attention to this linguistic intricacy, bringing his own experience as a retired U.S. District Court chief deputy clerk and former member of the Knoxville City Council into the discussion. For further inquiries or discussions on linguistic matters, Don K. Ferguson can be reached at ferguson111@comcast.net.
