What’s the Grammatically Correct Way to Refer to a Company: ‘Company Name Are Looking to’ or ‘Company Name Is Looking to’?

In today’s article, we dive into the often debated topic of whether it’s grammatically correct to say a company name with a plural verb ('are looking to') or a singular one ('is looking to'). We'll explore the nuances of this issue and provide guidance based on the most common usages in British and American English.

The Grammatical Correctness of 'Is Looking to'

The grammatically correct way to refer to a company name is with a singular verb, such as 'is looking to.' This is based on the principle that a company is viewed as a single entity. Despite this, speakers of different English varieties often exhibit different preferences, which can lead to variations in usage.

British English vs. American English

Speakers of British English often refer to a company as a plural entity, using ‘are looking to.’ On the other hand, speakers of American and Canadian English tend to treat a company as a singular entity, using ‘is looking to.’ This divergence in usage can be attributed to different cultural and linguistic interpretations of collective nouns.

The Context Matters

While the grammatically correct choice might not always sound natural, it’s generally advisable to opt for singular usage when referring to companies in formal writing or academic contexts. This approach helps maintain an objective and formal tone.

For example, if you're writing a report on a company's strategic goals:

“It is looking to expand its market share.”

On the other hand, to highlight the human aspect or the cultural side of the company, you might use the plural form:

“The board of directors and employees are looking to enhance team morale.”

Similarly, when discussing companies in more casual settings or promotional materials:

“Global Partner Associates are looking for innovative solutions.”

Legal and Formalities

From a legal standpoint, companies are treated as singular entities. This is consistent across many regions, as evidenced by large corporations such as Facebook and Virgin, which are indeed singular despite their names sounding plural.

However, the treatment of entity names that have plural-sounding names should be approached carefully. For example, 'Wal-Mart Stores' is treated as a singular entity in formal contexts, just as 'Smith Nephew' is considered a singular company name.

Stylistic Choices

The choice between singular and plural forms comes down to the context and the tone of the communication. If you're aiming for an objective and impersonal tone, use the singular form:

“Smith Nephew is hiring top talent.”

In contrast, if you want to add a personal touch or emphasize the human side of the company, use the plural form:

“Global Partner Associates are all about innovation.”

Authorities on the Subject

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, many authoritative sources in both British and American English provide guidance. For instance, Garners Modern American Usage suggests that collective nouns, in general, tend to be treated as singular in American English. However, John David Ward provides a more nuanced perspective, highlighting the different approaches in British English.

Despite these differences, many grammarians recommend sticking with the singular form ('is looking to') to maintain consistency and clarity in your writing.

To conclude, when referring to a company name, it's best to use a singular verb ('is looking to') to reflect the singular nature of the entity. However, in specific contexts and for stylistic reasons, plural forms can be used. Understanding these nuances can help you choose the most appropriate form for your audience and purpose.