Is a company singular or plural?

My recent post about the Economist Style Guide included a passing comment about whether companies were singular or plural. It generated a surprising number of comments, and some grammarphile controversy.

It turns out singular vs plural is a very important aspect when learning how to write and edit.

In some cases, it may seem to make sense to make 'company' plural. It's a team of people, right? People = more than one person. However, company, like team, should be treated as singular.

Here's the final word on the matter.

Companies: singular or plural?

The Economist says they're singular. I agreed.

But today (coming back from a week's holiday in Goa), I've come across a situation which leaves me scratching my head - a two-person company. Writing about them as a singular entity seems oddly formal and doesn't look right at all.

It just goes to prove the old adage: 'if in doubt, prefer geniality to good grammar'.

About the Author

Matthew is founder and CEO of Articulate Marketing. Writer, marketer, pilot, wine enthusiast and geek. Not necessarily in that order. Never at the same time.