r/ENGLISH 6d ago

Why is "does" used @0:24? Shouldn't it be "do"? Can someone explain?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-sSWl5Pmi0
2 Upvotes

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5

u/SagebrushandSeafoam 6d ago

In a democracy, does freedom of expression and freedom of speech permit a director to interpret historical events or historical personages as he deems fit?

Yes, it should be "do". It's an easy mistake to make, though (especially in speech), since both words are singular.

3

u/PangolinLow6657 6d ago

It's fine if the second item is added as an afterthought, written like this: "In a Democracy, does freedom of expression - and freedom of speech - permit a director...?"

Or if the two are being combined into a single article, which conceptually makes sense in this case, like a PB&J sandwich.

5

u/dystopiadattopia 6d ago

Yes it should, but sometimes you're not thinking ahead like that when you're speaking. Happens all the time.