Confused about whether to use singular or plural in promotion announcement

Question

Somebody asked me to review a press release they had written.

Although most of it was pretty straightforward, I had a hard time with the title and initial sentence of the first paragraph.

Any thoughts on which version is correct?

XXX LLC Promotes Joe Jones and Jane Janes 
to Principals on its Furry Animal Appreciation Team

XXX LLC, a leading widget manufacturer, today announced that Joe Jones and Jane Hanes have been promoted from Vice Presidents to Principals on its furry animal appreciation team.

or

XXX LLC Promotes Joe Jones and Jane Janes 
to Principal on its Furry Animal Appreciation Team

XXX LLC, a leading widget manufacturer, today announced that Joe Jones and Jane Janes have been promoted from Vice President to Principal on its furry animal appreciation team.

ElderFuthark · Answer

I'm new to this site, and I'm certainly not like some individuals whom I admire on this site who can articulate the specific reasoning behind a choice of grammar. That said, I believe you should go with the first set of sentences that implement the plural forms. Why? You are promoting two people, therefore, there is more than one instance of each position.

Also, I believe the preposition on should be changed to of. After all, of "indicat[es] an association between two entities, typically one of belonging, in which the first is the head of the phrase and the second is something associated with it," according to the Oxford English Dictionary.

Confused about whether to use singular or plural in promotion announcement

One Answer

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question