Is Police Singular or Plural?
Contents
The Age-Old Debate
The question of whether the word "police" is singular or plural has sparked debate among linguists, grammarians, and linguaphiles for decades. The answer is not a straightforward one, as there is no consensus on the issue. In this article, we will delve into the history of the word "police," examine various linguistic theories, and analyze the different perspectives on this topic.
History of the Word "Police"
The word "police" originates from the French word "pouvoir," meaning "to have power." It was first used in English in the 17th century to refer to a department or agency responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining order in society. Over time, the word "police" has evolved to refer not only to the authority in charge of law enforcement but also to the members who carry out this task. The word "police" is actually plural in origin, referring to the collective body of authority.
Grammatical Analysis
From a grammatical perspective, police can be seen as both singular and plural. Here are the different arguments:
Arguments for "Police" as Singular:
- The noun "police" follows the pattern of many plural nouns that end in -ice, which typically take a singular verb when referring to the general class or concept (e.g., "news, finance, force").
- Many dictionaries, including Merriam-Webster, define "police" as a singular noun (e.g., "Police are responsible for keeping us safe").
Arguments for "Police" as Plural:
- From a historical perspective, as mentioned earlier, "police" is originally plural, referring to the collective body of authority.
- In many contexts, when referring to the agency itself, "police" is treated as plural, using the verb in the plural form (e.g., "The police department has launched an investigation"). This is the common usage in many formal reports, official documents, and news articles.
| Context | Verb Conjugation |
|---|---|
| The police is responsible for law enforcement. | Singular (1st person) |
| The police are responding to the emergency. | Plural (3rd person plural) |
| The Police Department has a new fleet of cars. | Singular (possessive, referring to the department) |
The Viewpoints of Linguistic Experts
Linguistic experts have diverse opinions on the matter, some arguing that police is singular while others maintain it is plural.
- Noam Chomsky, the prominent linguist, holds the view that "police" is a collective noun, which is plural.
- John Langshott, a British lexicographer, considers "police" as an uncountable noun (also known as an absolute noun), which lacks singular and plural forms.
In conclusion, while both singular and plural usage have their merits, linguistic evidence and conventions suggest that "police" is often treated as plural. The issue boils down to context, linguistic theory, and individual preferences. Ultimately, both pronunciations are accepted by dictionaries and linguistic experts alike.
Publishing and Media Insights
Many renowned publications and media outlets prefer to use the plural verb form when referring to "police." Some of these include:
- The New York Times
- The Wall Street Journal
- The Guardian
- BBC News
The 2011 edition of The Chicago Manual of Style even recommends using the plural form when referring to "police" in writing:
"The police are the enforcement arm of the judicial system."
Closer Look at the Arguments**
In conclusion, **it is essential to examine each context and situation individually, considering the historical background and linguistic conventions**.
If you are writing formally (e.g., official documents, academic papers) and referring to the authority in charge of law enforcement:
* Use the singular noun “police” in this context, treating it as a singular noun that refers to the organization (e.g., “Police is responsible for enforcing traffic laws”).
If you are discussing the members of law enforcement or the agency in various contexts:
* **prefer the plural verb form (“police are…”), as it is widely used in formal reports and media outlets**.
For laypeople and everyday writing:
* **feel free to use either singular or plural verb forms, as context and personal preference guide language usage**.
Remember that language is constantly evolving, and the debate about **police** will undoubtedly continue. By understanding the perspectives and linguistic theories involved, we can better appreciate the nuances of language and approach this topic with flexibility.
