"fruit was harvested" vs "fruit were harvested"

Question

"fruit was harvested" vs "fruit were harvested"

The correct phrase is "fruit was harvested." In this case, "fruit" is being treated as a singular noun, so the singular verb "was" should be used. The plural form "were" would be used if referring to multiple fruits being harvested.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

Use this phrase when referring to the harvesting of a singular quantity of fruit. The singular verb "was" matches with the singular noun "fruit."

Examples:

The fruit was harvested yesterday.
Each type of fruit was harvested at a different time.
The ripe fruit was harvested by the workers.
The fruit was harvested and sent to the market.
When the fruit was harvested, it was still fresh.

Alternatives:

The fruits were harvested
The crop of fruit was harvested
The harvest of fruit was collected
The fruit harvest was completed
The fruit picking was done

Answer 1

fruit was harvested

This phrase is correct. "Fruit" is being treated as a singular noun, so the singular verb "was" is appropriate.

Answer 2

fruit were harvested

This phrase is incorrect. "Fruit" is a singular noun in this context, so the plural verb "were" does not match.

"fruit was harvested" vs "fruit were harvested"

fruit was harvested

fruit were harvested

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