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shrive555
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When the Republican Party was the minority party, the number 12 Nov 2010, 20:19
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When the Republican Party was the minority party, the number of Democratic and independent voters it attracted determined its ability to win a presidential election.

The use of its is correct in this sentence ?

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When the Republican Party was the minority party, the number 14 Nov 2010, 17:25
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Yes, the usage is correct!

"its" is a possessive pronoun. Here, it would mean "Republican Party's".
"it's" is a contraction for "it is".

I know this sounds little strange, and I am sure you want to memorize it!
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When the Republican Party was the minority party, the number 14 Nov 2010, 20:29
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@ shrive555

It and Its - Both are s/g
Republican Party - s/g

Why do u think its not correct usage. How would you use any pronoun instead - for a singular collective noun?
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When the Republican Party was the minority party, the number 14 Nov 2010, 20:44
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Correct! no confusion because it is only referring to "Republican Party"
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When the Republican Party was the minority party, the number 15 Nov 2010, 07:58
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Nice work to everybody on this one. Quick addition:

Beware when you have a split between "its" and "their." The GMAT loves to test your understanding of "its" and "their." These are two of the "deadly five" pronouns.

For example:

"Although the company has changed their policies recently..."
"Although the company has changed its policies recently..."

OR:

"Every team in the league should submit their schedule by November."
"Every team in the league should submit its schedule by November."

In both of these examples, you need to use the second example because both "the company" and "everyone" are singular.

Happy to field questions!

Brett
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When the Republican Party was the minority party, the number 15 Nov 2010, 22:15
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@BKimball

Thanks for your inputs
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When the Republican Party was the minority party, the number 18 Nov 2010, 19:51
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you said there are five deadly pronouns, can you list them? thanks :?:
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When the Republican Party was the minority party, the number 18 Nov 2010, 20:27
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Five deadly pronouns are it, its, they, them, and their.
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When the Republican Party was the minority party, the number 17 Jul 2011, 07:04
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BKimball
Nice work to everybody on this one. Quick addition:

Beware when you have a split between "its" and "their." The GMAT loves to test your understanding of "its" and "their." These are two of the "deadly five" pronouns.

For example:

"Although the company has changed their policies recently..."
"Although the company has changed its policies recently..."

OR:

"Every team in the league should submit their schedule by November."
"Every team in the league should submit its schedule by November."

In both of these examples, you need to use the second example because both "the company" and "everyone" are singular.

Happy to field questions!

Brett
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Hi Brett,

Does the usage of singular/plural pronouns also depends upon the fact whether the collective noun is acting together or not?

For eg. "The jury was divided in its/their opinion." I feel it should be their since they are divided.
or
"The cricket team is/are practicing on the field." Here it should be are.
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When the Republican Party was the minority party, the number 07 May 2014, 19:42
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maverick05


Hi Brett,

Does the usage of singular/plural pronouns also depends upon the fact whether the collective noun is acting together or not?

For eg. "The jury was divided in its/their opinion." I feel it should be their since they are divided.
or
"The cricket team is/are practicing on the field." Here it should be are.
Show more

Hi,

Good news if your question is related to what's test on the GMAT. :)

Fortunately, the GMAC does not test you on this subjective behavior of collective nouns.

Regards,

Neeti.

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