"present at the meeting was" vs "present at the meeting were"

Question

"present at the meeting was" vs "present at the meeting were"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Present at the meeting were' is used when referring to multiple people or things, while 'present at the meeting was' is used when referring to a single entity. The choice between the two depends on the subject being singular or plural.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

This phrase is used when the subject is singular, indicating that a single individual or item was in attendance at the meeting.

Examples:

Present at the meeting was the CEO.
Present at the meeting was an important presentation.
Present at the meeting was a new proposal.
Present at the meeting was a surprise guest.
Present at the meeting was a key witness.

Alternatives:

In attendance at the meeting was
Attending the meeting was
Among those present at the meeting was
Participating in the meeting was
Joining the meeting was

This phrase is used when the subject is plural, indicating that multiple individuals or items were in attendance at the meeting.

Examples:

Present at the meeting were John, Sarah, and Tom.
Present at the meeting were several important documents.
Present at the meeting were representatives from different departments.
Present at the meeting were various stakeholders.
Present at the meeting were the key decision-makers.

Alternatives:

In attendance at the meeting were
Attending the meeting were
Among those present at the meeting were
Participating in the meeting were
Joining the meeting were

Answer 1

present at the meeting was

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a single person or item present at a meeting.

Answer 2

present at the meeting were

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to multiple people or things present at a meeting.

"present at the meeting was" vs "present at the meeting were"

present at the meeting was

present at the meeting were

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