Two-thirds is a fraction that represents a proportion of something that is divided into three equal parts. It is often used in various contexts such as in politics, mathematics, and statistics. In this article, we will discuss the correct usage of “two-thirds” and whether it should be followed by “are” or “is”.
Firstly, it is important to note that “two-thirds” is a singular noun. Although it may represent a proportion of something that is greater than one, it is still considered a single entity. Therefore, it should always be followed by the singular verb “is” instead of “are”. For example, “Two-thirds of the pizza is gone” is correct, while “Two-thirds of the pizzas are gone” is incorrect.
It is also worth mentioning that “two-thirds” should always be used as a hyphenated compound adjective when it precedes a noun. For instance, “Two-thirds majority” or “Two-thirds vote” are both correct usages.
Moreover, “two-thirds” can also be used as an adverb to dscribe the extent or degree of something. In this case, it is not followed by a verb and does not require any agreement in number. For example, “He was two-thirds finished with his work” or “The glass was filled two-thirds with water”.
“two-thirds” is a singular noun and should always be followed by the singular verb “is”. It is also important to use it as a hyphenated compound adjective when it precedes a noun. By using “two-thirds” correctly in your writing, you can avoid common grammatical errors and effectively convey your ideas to your readers.
How Do You Use Two Thirds In A Sentence?
Two-thirds is a fraction that represents a value of two parts out of three equal parts. In a sentence, the usage of two-thirds can vary depending on the context. For instance, it can be used to indicate a proportion of something, such as “The new schemes will only cover two-thirds of the total population.” In a political context, two-thirds can be used to refer to a majority vote, such as “An impeachment trial requires a two-thirds majority for a conviction.” Additionally, two-thirds can be used to express a requirement for a certain level of support, such as “The council could override her veto with at least two-thirds support from members.” two-thirds is a versatile fraction that can be used in varius contexts to convey different meanings.
Is It Two Thirds Or Two Thirds?
The correct way to write the fraction that represents two parts out of three is “two-thirds.” It is a hyphenated word, where “two” and “thirds” are joined with a hyphen to indicate that they function as a single unit. This format is widely accepted by various style guides, including the Government Printing Office (GPO) Style Manual. Although “two thirds” without a hyphen is also used, hyphenated “two-thirds” is more preferred by the GPO manual and is considered the standard format.
Is It Two Is Or Two Are?
The correct usage of “is” or “are” depends on whether the subject is singular or plural. In the case of “two,” it is a numerical value that refers to a quantity, and it is considered plural. Therefore, the correct usage would be “two are” instead of “two is.”
Is One Third Singular Or Plural?
One third is considered singular. Although it includes the word “thirds,” it refers to a single portion or quantity that is equivalent to one out of three equal parts. Therefore, it takes a singular verb, as in “One third of the pie is missing.” It is important to note that, like many other quantifiers, “one third” can be used with either singular or plural nouns, depending on the context. For example, “One third of the students are absent” uses a plural verb because it refers to multiple students.
Conclusion
The term “two-thirds” is a commonly used fraction in various contexts, including politics, mathematics, and statistics. It denotes a quantity that is equivalent to two out of three equal parts or 66.67%. When using “two-thirds” in writing or speech, it is important to note that the hyphenated form is preferred and that it takes a singular verb when preceded by “the.”
