Subject- Verb Agreement Using the words media, data, criteria, etc.

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Subject- VerbAgreementUsing the words media,
data, criteria, etc.

• From the UWF Writing Labs
• 101 Grammar Mini-Lessons Series
• Mini-Lesson 13

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• The following nouns are singular. What is their
  plural form?
• Criterion
• Criteria
• Datum
• Data
• Medium (as in a newspaper or magazine)
• Media

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• Media, data, and criteria are nouns that are
  Greek or Latin in origin. These nouns are plural,
  but they are often mistakenly treated as singular
  nouns. Consider the following examples

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• INCORRECT The media was out of control during
  the mayors court hearing.
• CORRECT The media were out of control during the
  mayors court hearing.

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Plural and Singular Forms of Frequently Used
Greek and Latin Words

• Media is the plural form of medium.
• Criteria is the plural form of criterion.
• Data is the plural form of datum.
• Alumni is the plural form of alumnus.
• (alumna female graduate, alumnae - plural)

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Lets Practice!

• The data is clear on this point the pass/ fail
  course has become outdated by events.
• The media has covered the trial in a variety of
  formats.
• The main criteria is youth, which leaves him out.
• Betty was very impressed to hear that Stephen was
  an alumni of MIT.