Understanding the Plural and Singular Use of One Third in English Grammar

Introduction

The term one third can sometimes be confusing when deciding whether to use it in the singular or plural form. This article aims to clarify the rules and exceptions governing the use of one third in English grammar, ensuring clarity and proper usage for both native and non-native English speakers.

Rules for Singular and Plural Use

The simple answer to whether one third is singular or plural is as follows: Singular: If itrsquo;s one third of one thing, it’s singular. Plural: If itrsquo;s one third of several things, it’s plural.

For example:

Singular: One third of men over 50 are bald. Plural: One third of the worldrsquo;s uranium comes from Africa.

However, another rule to consider is when you are enumerating the third, it remains singular:

One third of twenty-seven is nine.

Introduction to Fractions

A fraction is just another way of saying a part of a whole. One third is a simplified fraction, and although people often say a third rather than one third for simplicity, it still represents a single unit when referring to a part of a whole.

Noun Dependence

The form of one third (singular or plural) often depends on the noun that follows it:

Singular: One third of the members are present. Plural: One third of the apple has been eaten.

Itrsquo;s important to note that while one third ofstrong something plural, /strongare needed is correct, one third are needed is not considered standard English:

Singular Noun: One hundred people entered the building and we found that one third were woman.

Examples of One Third

Letrsquo;s explore more examples to understand when one third is used singularly or plurally:

Example 1: Non-Count Nouns

One-third of the wheat is already harvested. In this case, wheat is a non-count noun, making the fraction singular.

Example 2: Singular Nouns

One-third of the stick is painted. Here, stick is a singular noun, so the fraction is singular.

Example 3: Plural Nouns

One-third of the volunteers are here already. In this sentence, volunteers is a plural noun, making the fraction plural.

Conclusion

To summarize, the use of one third in singular or plural form depends on the context and the noun that follows it. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective communication in English. By following these rules, you can ensure that your writing is clear and grammatically accurate.