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Define the use of singular versus plural in the sentence structure guidelines.


CONTROL ID
06142
CONTROL TYPE
Establish/Maintain Documentation
CLASSIFICATION
Preventive

SUPPORTING AND SUPPORTED CONTROLS



This Control directly supports the implied Control(s):
  • Standardize word usage., CC ID: 06104

There are no implementation support Controls.


SELECTED AUTHORITY DOCUMENTS COMPLIED WITH



  • The clearest expression, even of complex policies, uses singular rather than plural nouns, if for no other reason than it cuts out one unnecessary layer of possible relationships. (§ 351(g)(2), House Legislative Counsel's Manual on Drafting Style, 104th Congress, 1st Session)
  • Use the singular instead of the plural, since singular words apply to several persons or things as wellas to one person or thing. (Ch 2.C(6), Form and Style Manual for Legislative Measures, Sep 23, 1999)
  • A drafter should use the singular form of a noun rather than the plural whenever possible. This custom is based on the practical difficulty of using plurals consistently and the ambiguity that may arise as to the applicability of a provision. (Part III Ch 1 § 10, Maine Legislative Drafting Manual, 1st Edition)