#Grammar #question :

[strangequark@dice.camp]

#Grammar #question :

When using "the party" in the sense of "the group of adventurers", should it accord with a singular or plural verb?

If you have an example, please support your view with a quote from #literature or a #RPG book in the comments.

#TTRPG #writing #askfedi

[iballesty@mastodon.ie]

@strangequark A collective noun takes a singular verb when the group acts as one unit (e.g., "The team is winning") and a plural verb when members act individually (e.g., "The team are arguing"). American English favors singular; British English allows plural for emphasis on individuals. #GrammarTips[1]

Sources
[1] Verb Agreement with Collective Singular Nouns https://www.touro.edu/departments/writing-center/tutorials/verb-agreement-with-collective-singular-nouns/

[strangequark@dice.camp]

One of the things that made me hesitate is that the pronoun would usually be plural "they" rather than singular "it".

So long as you avoid the pronoun, singular works fine:

"The party arrives at the inn and orders beer."

But if you want to use a pronoun you have to go plural:

"The party arrive at the inn. They order beer."

You wouldn't say, "it orders beer"?

[printdevil@dice.camp]

@strangequark I think the pronoun there is They though, I can't remember why and it might be different between US and British English. I think it's something to do with objects and ideas vs groups.

I suppose "A Party" can be either the idea of one or a group of people though.

[printdevil@dice.camp]

@strangequark For example "the party" (gaming term) is an it. It's a concept I think.

but "the party ordered drinks" is a they - group of people.

There's a subtlety about party in RPG I think there. You can legitimately use it as an IT, but also as a THEY depend on the level of abstraction.

I think "the party encounters a troll" is an it form

They attack the troll is the players/group.

[strangequark@dice.camp]

@Printdevil The idea of "the party" to mean a group of adventurers appeared in fantasy fiction before it appeared in gaming materials:

"The party went along... and they told stories"