Are, or Is?

Yep, that's how I use it as well, Philéas.

As you say, if "band" is mentioned, I would say "King Crimson is a great band", but without the "band" part, it would be "King Crimson are great".

A band is usually a group of people, so "is", is referring to a singular band, in this case, named "King Crimson".

However, "are" is used in the latter sentence, because it is not clear whether we are referring to a band, or an individual.  So I would write "are", rather than "is", to clearly show I am referring to a band (a group of individuals, so several "is's"), rather than a single artist named "King Crimson".

An excerpt of page 97:

ker.


Edited by Geck0 - August 15 2007 at 12:43

It had to be said.

I just did, didn't I?

Sorry.

you must use 'is'. The band is referred to as a single entity, a single noun. Although the band consists of several members, there is only one band being refered to. I'm pretty sure that it is grammatically incorrect to use 'are'. I cannot confirm this, but I am an  English major. Hopefully, I know what i'm talking about...

The Doctor wrote: purplepiper wrote: you must use 'is'. The band is referred to as a single entity, a single noun. Although the band consists of several members, there is only one band being refered to. I'm pretty sure that it is grammatically incorrect to use 'are'. I cannot confirm this, but I am an  English major. Hopefully, I know what i'm talking about...   I would agree with you, and almost wrote the same thing, but then, what about a band like The Beatles.  Surely you would not say "The Beatles is..."

I will saying "The beatles is" all a times.