help me

[anb163]

Ok, I am writing a nwspaper article for my journalism class. What is the correct grammar. 1960s was or 1960s were. I have already asked peoplein my house and no one can agree wheter 1960s is singular or plural. Some say one single time period and others a bunch of different years. Yall are usually so helpful to everybody and I need an answer. Thanks in advance.

 

[Caradana]

I'd probably rewrite the sentence, and make a singular reference to the decade. Can you give us the paragraph?

 

[anb163]

well i am discussing the changes since the 60s it starts - The 1960s was/were a time.....

 

[Caradana]

America saw great changes from 1960 through 1969. The decade was a time of political and cultural transformation ...

 

[tar heel]

Are you using it as a singular noun or as a plural? If you're referring to the 1960s as a single time period, you would use the singular verb b/c you would be using the term like you would, say, "the Renaissance" or the "Dark Ages." My guess is that you're using it like this and should, therefore, use "was."

I'm intrigued that you said "article" instead of "story" b/c no one did when I was in journalism school!

 

[paigevz]

The 1960s were.............

Or, change it to the decade or the time period, and then you use was.......

I like Cardana's opening.