Journalese Part IVIXXIVCM
A lot of journalistic grammar is rubbish.
As organisations, we are told, companies are always referred to in the singular.
Ford announces its results.
Sheraton builds new hotel in Gdansk.
But when the company sounds plural, hacks slip into thinking a company name is actually a group of people.
British Airways are increasing the number of routes they operate.
Sport teams are always plural.
Everton are playing in Europe.
The Eagles are in the playoffs.
Granted, the chances of either happening are slim, but what happens when a football team is also a company?
Chelsea announces merchandising deal after record losses.
or
Chelsea announce…
And what happens where a person is a company, like Donna Karan, or Yves Saint Laurent?
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Also:
December 2nd, 2006 at 3:20 pm
I worry about you sometimes.
December 2nd, 2006 at 8:04 pm
Thanks - I hope it’s never justified.
December 2nd, 2006 at 10:08 pm
Nah. I just like to worry;)
December 4th, 2006 at 6:50 pm
Normally the rest of the sentence should clarify the intention: “Donna Karan is launching its new line…”, or “Donna Karan tells us that she is particularly excited about the new designs”, for example.
December 4th, 2006 at 10:09 pm
OK, tough guy. What about Dolce and Gabana?
:)
December 5th, 2006 at 3:42 pm
Wait- There’s a new Sheraton in Gdansk? Hey Ted, how about visiting and giving us a review?
December 7th, 2006 at 2:24 pm
“D&G is launching…” (Is that cheating? If so, “Dolce & Gabbana is launching…”. Admittedly, the ampersand helps, since it shouldn’t really be used in prose.)
“D&G founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana told the pres that…”
Or something like that, no?