Sentence: The ratio of errors are decreasing day by day.

[Misskhan]

Dear techares,

please help me out I was writing an official letter and in which I have some confusion so please guide me as soon as you can.

Which one is correct in these sentences.

1.The ratio of errors is decreasing day by day.
2.The ratio of errors are decreasing day by day.
there is a confusion in my mind "ratio" is just used for singular or also with plural and if it is also used with plural then will we treat them as a singular?

Which one is correct?

3. Figaro Data is uploaded on ftp with following file names.
4. Figaro Data are uploaded on ftp with following file names.

in above sentence will we use "is" with "Figaro Data"? I have a little confusion when I see 1st one part of the sentence then I assume that is right but when I notice on 2nd part of the sentence especially (file name) then I confused the should I use "is" or "are" in this sentence.

Your prompt response would be highly appreciated (Is this right sentence?)

[Mister Micawber]

.
1.The ratio of errors is decreasing day by day.-- This is correct.
There is a confusion in my mind "ratio" is just used for singular-- Yes: One ratio, two ratios.

3. Figaro Data is uploaded on ftp with the following file names.
4. Figaro Data are uploaded on ftp with the following file names.

in above sentence will we use "is" with "Figaro Data"?-- It depends on what 'Figaro Data' means-- is it a program or a file? Or are they many separate pieces of information?

I have a little confusion when I see 1st one part of the sentence then I assume that is right but when I notice on 2nd part of the sentence especially (file name) then I confused the should I use "is" or "are" in this sentence.-- Focus on the subject-- it is the number of the subject that determines the number of the verb.


Your prompt response would be highly appreciated (Is this right sentence?)-- The grammar is OK, but the register is wrong and it sounds rude. We are not your employees and you are not our client. We offer a voluntary service in our available free time. If you wish to pay us for answering your questions, then you can use this sentence.
.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Misskhan]

Mr. Mister Micawber

Lot of thanks

yes FIGARO DATA is a program for a client.

And if i am a client of a party and I write this sentence would it be right or wrong?

"Your prompt response would be highly appreciated" or can you suggest any sentence which is alternate of this sentence

[Mister Micawber]

.
Yes, that is OK in a strictly business setting and you the recipient of services, but still this kind of BizEnglish is being overtaken by a simpler, more personal approach: "Please let me know as soon as possible".
.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Misskhan]

[Misskhan]

Dear Mr. Alan/Torsten

Please guide me because I am still confused about this sentence that which one is right.

1.Figaro Data is uploaded on ftp with the following file names.
2. Figaro Data are uploaded on ftp with the following file names.
3. Data for Figaro is uploaded on ftp with the following file names.

in above sentence will we use "is" or "are" with "Figaro Data"?--

(They are many separate pieces of information but in on folder is named "FIGARO DATA")

I have a little confusion when I see 1st one part of the sentence then I assume that 1st question is right but when I notice on 2nd part of the sentence especially (file names) then I confused that should I use "is" or "are" in this sentence. I know it is very important to "Focus on the subject" and although Mr. Mister Micawber guided me as good as he can and now I understood the use of "ratio" but many thanks for him.

But I am still confused about this question. so please guide me as soon as you can....

Thanks in advance

[Prezbucky]

I'm not Alan or TD, but my vote is for "is".

Data is.

That is how 99% (rough estimate) of those I know would say/write it, and I don't live in an Appalachian trailer park.

hehe
_________________
Billie Jean is not my lover. Hee.

[Misskhan]

Thanks Prezbucky

It means my 1st one sentence is correct. is it?

many thanks if it is really right

[Prezbucky]

Yes, #1 is right... or at least it's accepted as being right among 99% of non-Appalachianers, and they don't have the requisite Internet access to wage an argument (though most of them would likely agree anyway).

There is an argument for "data are" and the support for these heathens can be found in the announcing of English Premier League soccer matches.. Andy Gray (Grey?) and the other dude say things like this, flying in the face of common usage:

"Liverpool are playing well" (most of us: Liverpool IS playing well)
"Manchester United have brought Arsenal to their knees" (Man U HAS brought Arsenal to ITS knees)

The announcers are basing their conjugations on the individual members --the plural members of the team -- instead of the singular team.

Such is the dilemma with "data" -- we know that data is a group of multiple datums (hehe), but when data are referenced, they are referred to as a singular group of facts -- one group -- instead of a bunch of plural facts.

If you want to say "data are", go ahead... but don't be surprised if someone says, "Okay, Andy Gray."

hehe
_________________
Billie Jean is not my lover. Hee.

[Misskhan]

Thanks Prezbucky

Now It is quite easy to understand this type of confusing sentence.

many thanks again