2. In order to avoid the disagreeable harshness of sound, occasioned
by the frequent recurrence of the terminations _est, edst_, in the
adaptation of our verbs to the nominative _thou_, a modern
innovation which substitutes _you_ for _thou_, in familiar style,
has generally been adopted. This innovation contributes greatly to
the harmony of our colloquial style. _You_ was formerly restricted
to the plural number; but now it is employed to represent either a
singular or a plural noun. It ought to be recollected, however, that
when used as the representative of a singular noun, this word
retains its original _plural form_; and, therefore, the verb
connected with it, should always be plural. Inattention to this
peculiarity, has betrayed some writers into the erroneous
conclusion, that, because _you_ implies unity when it represents a
singular noun, it ought, when thus employed, to be followed by a
singular verb; as, "When _was you_ there?" "How far _was you_ from
the parties?" Such a construction, however, is not supported by
_good_ usage, nor by analogy.
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