Welcome to the Grammar Minute, where we’re saving the English language sixty seconds at a time! I’m Lauren Smyth, and here’s an interesting grammar question I encountered recently while editing a history book. Let’s say 50% of the population … likes to watch tennis matches.
Hold up. Should that be “50% of the population likes” or “50% of the population like?”
Traditionally, in American English, “percent” is singular, so it takes a singular verb and, in other constructions, a singular adjective. For example, “50% of the population is vaccinated.” Where things get complicated is if you’re talking about something highly personal or specific to an individual. Would you say “50% of the population reports feeling happy”? Or would it make more sense to say “50% of the population report feeling happy,” since happiness varies by individual?
I don’t know. Fortunately, neither does anyone else. The rule is a judgment call, but when in doubt, default to the singular: “50% of the population reports feeling happy.”
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