The Correct Usage of 'The Police' in English

A Common English Syntax Riddle Unveiled: Is 'The Police is Here' or 'The Police are Here'? Exploring the Grammar Behind 'Police'

When dealing with the word 'police,' many English speakers may find themselves wondering whether to use the singular or plural form. This question is not just a minor quirk but a fundamental aspect of English grammar that often trips up even native speakers. To unravel this common riddle, let's delve into the correct usage of 'police' in English.

Grammar Lessons from Scholarly Sources

The correct phrase is, indeed, "the police are here." This fact is supported by renowned linguistic authorities. According to the The Cambridge International Dictionary of English, published by Cambridge University Press in 1995, the noun 'police' is listed as a plural noun. This dictionary provides examples like 'Police are investigating fraud allegations against him.' Similarly, Emeritus Professor Rodney Huddleston, co-author of The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language, published by Cambridge University Press in 2002, confirms this plural usage.

Arguments for Both Sides

While the grammatical answer is clear, the complexity of the word 'police' can make this rule seem counterintuitive. It is often perceived as an uncountable noun, despite referring to a collection of individuals. This duality, where 'police' is both a plural noun and a verb, can lead to uncertainty. For instance, when talking about the actions of a specific police officer, it is normal to use the singular verb 'is': 'The police Sergeant is here.' However, when referring to the collective police force, the plural form 'are' is the correct choice.

Evolution of English Grammar and Usage

The origins of the plural usage of 'police' can be traced back to the early stages of the English language. Historically, 'police' has been regarded as a collective noun, thus requiring the plural verb. This usage is prevalent in many parts of the world, including the United States. For example, in the sentence, 'The police are coming,' the plural form 'are' is the appropriate choice.

Comparative Analysis with Other Uncountable Nouns

It is worth noting that 'police' is not unique in its grammatical behavior. There are other uncountable nouns in English that behave similarly. For instance, 'cattle' is also treated as a plural noun despite being an uncountable noun. Similar to 'police,' the noun 'cattle' cannot have a simple singular form; the singular is 'cattle beast.' In the context of usage, if you are referring to a collection of cattle, you would say 'The cattle are in the field.' This syntactic pattern aligns with the use of 'police.'

Application in Sentences and Grammatical Rules

Given the above information, it is crucial to apply the correct usage of 'police' in different contexts. Here are a few examples:

Examples of Correct Usage

The police is here: This phrase is grammatically incorrect. The correct form would be 'The police are here.' The police are coming: This is the correct and grammatically appropriate form. The police officer is here: If you are referring to a specific police officer, then the singular verb 'is' should be used.

In addition to these grammatical rules, 'police' can also function as a transitive verb, meaning 'to keep in order or monitor or regulate an area or a person’s activities.' For instance, 'He policed his son’s behavior,' or 'The police policed the area.' In these cases, the verb form does not change, and the context determines the appropriate usage.

Understanding and correctly using the word 'police' is crucial in English, as misuse can lead to confusion and grammatical errors. By referencing authoritative sources and understanding the historical and grammatical context, one can confidently use 'police' in various contexts within the English language. So, the next time you find yourself in doubt, remember that it's the 'police are here'!