"
NOTE. Rules 10, and 11, are limited in their application. See page.
FALSE SYNTAX.
The nation are powerful.
The fleet were seen sailing up the channel.
The church have no power to inflict corporal punishment. The
flock, and not the fleece, are, or ought to be, the objects of the
shepherd's care.
That nation was once powerful; but now they are feeble.
RULE XI.
A noun of multitude, conveying _plurality_ of idea, must have a verb or
pronoun agreeing with it in the _plural_; as, "The _council were_
divided in _their_ sentiments."
FALSE SYNTAX.
My people doth not consider.
The multitude eagerly pursues pleasure as its chief good.
The committee was divided in its sentiments, and it has referred the
business to the general meeting.
The people rejoices in that which should give it sorrow.
RULE XII.
A noun or pronoun in the possessive case, is governed by the noun it
possesses; as, "_Man's_ happiness;" "_Its_ value is great."
NOTE 1. When the possessor is described by a circumlocution, the
possessive sign should generally be applied to the last term only;
as, "The _duke of Bridgewater's_ canal; The _bishop of Landaff's_
excellent book; The _captain of the guard's_ house.
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