nobody is allowed

Ryovzx09

Ryovzx09

Senior Member
Shanghai
Mandarin-China
Hi,

I came across a grammar question as follows:
Nobody but doctors or nurses and those invited by Dr. Lee ______ (allow) to enter the patient’s room.
My friend said it should be 'are allowed', but I'm inclined to say 'is allowed' because I think the subject of this sentence is 'nobody', which is singular.

What do you think?
Thanks.
 
    • I'd have to disagree. While "is" is certainly grammatically correct there, "are" is often used colloquially in such constructions, because the mention of different people lends itself to the plural, and those who are not especially grammatically aware, in rapid or casual conversation, can and do easily ascribe plurality there. I can assure you I've heard "are" statements of that kind many times in casual conversation over the decades, and common usage, arguably, can't be labelled incorrect.
     
    knuckleboom said:
    "is" is correct and idiomatic. You can't say "Nobody...are allowed" no matter what comes in between.
    Click to expand...
    You can, if the sentence uses "nobody" to mean "no people". Of course, using "nobody" to mean "no people" might not be perfect English. But people say that.
     
    Ryovzx09 said:
    Hi,

    I came across a grammar question as follows:
    Nobody but doctors or nurses and those invited by Dr. Lee ______ (allow) to enter the patient’s room.
    My friend said it should be 'are allowed', but I'm inclined to say 'is allowed' because I think the subject of this sentence is 'nobody', which is singular.

    What do you think?
    Thanks.
    Click to expand...
    Compound subjects are tricky, especially those that come with "but" and "add." As you've noticed in this thread, some people say "is allowed" and some say/accept "are allowed." Syntax doesn't care one way or the other. The point here is to add auxiliary "be" to create a clause and to form the passive voice (be + past participle allowed). Both of those things can be accomplished with "is" and "are." That said, some grammar books and style books will offer "rules" because in the teaching of grammar, things are always simplified. If you are taking a class, I would follow whatever "rule" is promoted, either by your book or by your teacher. After all, you want to get a good grade.
     
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