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Singular or plural noun after "their" when subject is "those" (as in "those who were") Details follow

English Language & Usage Asked by ISBN on January 9, 2021

I’m helping a nephew edit a paper and while he says it isn’t essential that it be grammatically perfect…? well. I don’t know have to explain. You are my people. So without further ado, which option is correct:

A. This means that those who were indoctrinated at a young age may be hesitant to discuss their background.

B. This means that those who were indoctrinated at a young age may be hesitant to discuss their backgrounds.

I know the entire structure is awkward, and has to GO. But I became fixated on this issue, and would love the answer–more for me than for him at this point. Ha! Thank you in advance.

One Answer

First I'd be concerned about whatever school or employer or student or employee doesn't think it essential that it be grammatically perfect.. Logically speaking the singular works because one background contains many details, is a collective term and should apply to the background(s) of scores of people. Uh-oh, I've just realised that this answer might fail logically ... My ear tells me that both should be acceptable but leans toward the singular.

Answered by Guy Cassegrain on January 9, 2021

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