Plural verbs, singular nouns

What is happening to the English language? I learned the difference between singular and plural nouns while in elementary school. That was reinforced during middle school, high school and college.

It seems that today, however, the distinction between singular and plural nouns is either being ignored, or the writers never learned the difference. Much too often, plural verbs are being given to singular nouns, and even supposed professionals are succumbing to this error in usage.

In almost every synopsis of a TV show, writers who should know better are guilty of this error. “Couple are,” “family are” and “committee are” are just a few of the many errors committed.

I have tried to get past this, but the Dec. 8 Spokesman-Review also did the unthinkable. It was a writer for a news service who did it this time, but I have seen the same error committed by S-R writers in the past. Where are the editors?

Granted, “family” is comprised of more than one, but it is still singular and the correct form is “family is,” not “family are.” The same is true of other singular nouns. Some people may consider this trivial, but it drives me up the proverbial wall.

Robyn Benjamin

Spokane