What pronoun to use when referring to USA
I'm currently using 'it' when referring to USA but I use 'они' (they) in Russian when doing the same. After all, I think it's more correct to use 'they' since they are United States.
I've got confused about that only recently.
So when I say USA do I use 'it' (since I am referring to a single country) or they (because there are many states in USA)?
Also, do I say "USA does smth." or "USA do smth."?
Re: What pronoun to use when reffering to USA
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ramil
I'm currently using 'it' when referring to USA but I use 'они' (they) in Russian when doing the same. After all, I think it's more correct to use 'they' since they are United States.
I've got confused about that only recently.
So when I say USA do I use 'it' (since I am referring to a single country) or they (because there are many states in USA)?
Also, do I say "USA does smth." or "USA do smth."?
Use USA in the singular... not plural... don't use они, unless you're talking about the 'people', or referring specifically to a group of States.
In the U.S. we use U.S.A. as singular in sentences. It's not technically correct grammar... but it is traditional and normal.
U.S.A. (or U.S.) = 'It'... The U.S.A. (usually referring to the Federal government, i.e. Bush and the Congress... 'One Nation')
The citizens of the U.S.A. = 'they'
A group of States = 'they'