In this article, we will break down a specific English sentence from a BBC article and explain the grammatical choices behind it. The sentence in question is: ‘I think my favourite are udon – the big thick ones.’ Many learners wonder why the verb ‘are’ is used here instead of ‘is,’ especially when ‘favourite’ seems singular. We’ll also look into how the word ‘fresh’ is used and interpreted in this context.
1. Understanding the use of ‘are’ instead of ‘is’
The sentence ‘my favourite are udon’ may seem confusing because ‘favourite’ is a singular noun, yet the verb used is ‘are,’ which is plural. This is a case where the noun ‘favourite’ refers to a category of things (in this case, types of noodles). In English, when you refer to a category or group of things as your ‘favourite,’ it is treated as a plural subject, and thus the verb ‘are’ is used.
In simpler terms, the phrase is understood as ‘my favourite types of noodles are udon.’ Even though ‘favourite’ is singular, the noun it refers to (types of noodles) is plural, which justifies the use of ‘are.’
2. How to interpret ‘fresh’ in the sentence
In the sentence, ‘others make them fresh from wheat or rice,’ the word ‘fresh’ functions as an adjective, describing how the noodles are made. It means that some people prepare the noodles using fresh ingredients, rather than using pre-made, dried noodles. The word ‘fresh’ in this context emphasizes the quality and preparation method of the noodles, indicating they are made from scratch rather than bought ready-made.
3. How to approach English grammar in context
Understanding grammar choices like ‘are’ instead of ‘is’ and interpreting words like ‘fresh’ comes with context. English learners should always pay attention to the subject and the meaning of the sentence as a whole. When you are describing a category of things, even if the noun is singular, it can take a plural verb. The same applies when words like ‘favourite’ are used to refer to more than one item or type.
4. Practical examples to solidify your understanding
Here are a few more examples to help clarify:
- ‘My favourite foods are pizza and pasta.’
- ‘Her favourite books are fantasy and mystery novels.’
- ‘Their favourite hobbies are swimming and hiking.’
In each of these cases, ‘are’ is used because the ‘favourite’ refers to a group of things (foods, books, hobbies), even though ‘favourite’ itself is singular.
Conclusion
To summarize, in the sentence ‘my favourite are udon,’ the use of ‘are’ is correct because the word ‘favourite’ refers to a plural category (types of noodles). When you talk about categories or groups, you use the plural form of the verb. Additionally, ‘fresh’ in the context of ‘make them fresh from wheat or rice’ emphasizes the method of preparation, not the state of the noodles. By paying attention to these nuances, you can improve your understanding of English grammar and vocabulary.
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