Which is Correct: ‘They Ran for Their Life’ or ‘They Ran for Their Lives’?
When it comes to proper grammar and sentence structure, there are often subtle nuances that can trip us up. The phrasing 'They ran for their life' versus 'They ran for their lives’ is one such instance that frequently prompts questions and debates. So, let's delve into the correct usage and the reasoning behind it.
Context Analysis and Correct Usage
Firstly, let's consider the sentence 'They ran for their life.' At a glance, this may seem grammatically correct because 'life' is a noun that can, indeed, be singular. However, when we scrutinize the subject-verb agreement in this sentence, it becomes clear that 'life' does not correctly fit the context. ‘Life’ in this context would imply an individual's survival, not the survival of multiple individuals.
On the other hand, the phrase 'They ran for their lives' naturally lends itself to a more logical and grammatically sound interpretation. The plural 'lives' fits the plural subject 'They,' adhering to the fundamental rule of subject-verb agreement in English. This construction communicates the collective, simultaneous action of a group of people running to save their lives in a cohesive and understandable manner.
Subject-Verb Agreement: The Core of the Issue
The principle of subject-verb agreement is a cornerstone of English grammar, ensuring that the subject and verb of a sentence agree in number (singular or plural). In the sentence 'They ran for their lives,' the plural subject 'They' is matched with the plural verb 'ran,' and the plural noun 'lives' completes the sentence. This agreement creates a sentence that is both grammatically correct and semantically meaningful.
Popular Misconceptions and Clarifications
Despite the clear logic in using 'lives' in this context, it is not uncommon to encounter or hear the phrase 'They ran for their life' in spoken or written language. This misconception might arise due to a lack of understanding of proper subject-verb agreement or the influence of other languages where such exact grammatical rules may differ.
As one user pointed out, there is a solid rationale behind the correct usage. The structure 'They ran to save their lives' is also grammatically correct but may be considered less concise. The phrase ‘ran for’ implies a sense of urgency or a specific action taken towards something, whereas ‘ran to save’ adds an extra preposition and verb, making the sentence slightly more verbose.
General Guidelines for Subject-Verb Agreement
To avoid such grammatical conundrums in the future, here are a few general guidelines for maintaining proper subject-verb agreement:
Singular Subject with Singular Verb: A singular subject, like 'person' or 'friend,' requires a singular verb like 'is' or 'runs.' Plural Subject with Plural Verb: A plural subject, such as 'people' or 'friends,' should be paired with a plural verb like 'are' or 'run.' Collective Nouns: Depending on whether the collective noun is viewed as a singular unit or a collection, it can take either a singular or plural verb. For example, in the phrase 'The team is playing well' versus 'The team are playing well.'Conclusion
In the case of the sentence 'They ran for their life' vs. 'They ran for their lives,' the latter is the grammatically correct construction. Understanding proper subject-verb agreement not only improves the clarity and precision of our writing but also aligns with established conventions of the English language. Whether you are a student, professional, or just a language enthusiast, mastering these rules can greatly enhance your written and spoken communication.
Further Reading
For readers interested in learning more about English grammar and writing, here are a few additional resources:
Subject-Verb Agreement Subjunctive Mood Countable and Uncountable Nouns