Language & Grammar discussion

39 views
Grammar Central > Do/does and "stuff" collective nouns. please help! going crazy.

Comments Showing 1-8 of 8 (8 new)    post a comment »
dateUp arrow    newest »

message 1: by Tina (new)

Tina Yip | 4 comments I'm so confused about this.

Which is correct?
"A lot of stuff really DO bother me!"
or
"A lot of stuff really DOES bother me!"

and "A lot of stuff bothers you" or "A lot of stuff bother you"


message 2: by Ruth (new)

Ruth | 16546 comments Mod
Stuff is a collective noun. It takes the singular. Use does.


message 3: by Tina (new)

Tina Yip | 4 comments so it would be right to say "A lot of stuff bothers you"?


message 4: by Ruth (new)

Ruth | 16546 comments Mod
Yes.


message 5: by Tina (new)

Tina Yip | 4 comments Would there be any instance where stuff is plural? the adjective "a lot of" wouldn't change it to plural?


message 6: by Ruth (new)

Ruth | 16546 comments Mod
No.


message 7: by Tina (new)

Tina Yip | 4 comments thanks


message 8: by Hilary (new)

Hilary (agapoyesoun) Also, 'a lot' is singular. Where the subject is. 'a lot' it must be followed by a singular verb.


back to top