Ron’s ESL Blogs

Expert Teacher, Sidhartha Desai, answers your questions on English and English Learning. If you would like to submit your questions for publication, Click Here. (Questions may be edited)

Question 1:

I’m an ESL learner of English. I’m a bit confused about the following questions:

The Philippines __________ in the Pacific Ocean. (are)

Her family __________ sitting outside enjoying the fresh air.( is)

Why is that?

- ESL Learner

Answer 1:

Thanks for your question and you have every reason to be confused. It is correct to say: The Philippines is and not The Philippines are.

It seems tempting and reasonable to say The Philippines are because plural nouns are usually followed by the plural form of the verb. However, when speaking of one united group, such as: The Philippines, The United States, and other country names, we use the singular form of the verb.

Some of the confusion around The Philippines comes from the fact that it is an archipelago (a group of islands). So, if someone says: The Philippine Islands are… that would be correct. However, when simply referring to the formal country name, The Philippines, it should be The Philippines is.

The same principle is true for words like: the family, everyone, the government, the country, the city, the company, and the university.

All of the above words are describing groups, but they are all followed by the singular form of the verb because they represent one unified group.

- Sidhartha Desai, www.ExpertEnglishTeacher.com

Question 2:

According to my information, the word since comes with past simple. But, I found some sentences saying: It’s been a while since I have seen you? Can you explain this to me? Thank you.

- Osama, Lybia

Answer 2:

In American English the word since is commonly used with the perfect tenses. So, it is correct to say: It’s been a while since I have seen you.

In British English since is commonly used with present and past tenses. So, it is correct to say: It’s a long time since I saw you.

For more information on the different tenses in English, Click Here to read one of my previous blog entries.

- Sidhartha Desai, www.ExpertEnglishTeacher.com