Microsoft IS or Microsoft ARE?

I have a grammar question for the English native speakers on this forum.

Because Microsoft is a company, instictively I would write "Microsoft is doing this..." just like I would write "comany X is doing this..." However I keep reading "Microsoft are doing this..." (the same seems to be true for all tech companies).

Does this imply "People at Microsoft are doing..."? Which is the most correct form?

The correct form is 'Microsoft is...'

This is because we're talking about Microsoft as a single thing.

But no  one will shoot you for saying, 'Microsoft are...'

@giovanni: As Ray7 says: Microsoft is a single company, but because it is comprised of a group of people you can get away with referring to Microsoft as a collection of people as well.

As long as people understand what you mean, there isn't a problem except with the occasional grammar-*.

Herbie

1 hour ago, Dr Herbie wrote

As long as people understand what you mean, there isn't a problem except with the occasional grammar-*.

Herbie

Thnak you. I like to use proper grammar when I can

On a related note the way Apple refer to the iPhone as "iPhone" drives me round the bend. This is incorrect and I'd have thought a company as image concious as Apple would want to get such as simple thing right (it just sounds so so wrong when they say it - you can tell its wrong without being pedantic).

 (The reason it's wrong is because, although "iPhone" is a proper noun there are many iPhones - all of which are being referred to when one says "iPhone". Whereas if, for instance, one was to talk about GoddersUK there is only one GoddersUK (or, rather, the GoddersUKs that there are are all distinct entities and not a group) so you would refer to "GoddersUK" rather than "the GoddersUK". At least I think that's the reason, I'm no grammar expert.)

@GoddersUK: I agree with you but proper nous are "special." So "Apple refer" or "Apple refers?"

Probably Apple refers? Since Apple is singular?

*hangs head in shame*

My impression is that "Microsoft is" is more of a north american thing, while "Microsoft are" is more commonly used in the UK.

I use "<company> are" here just to annoy people

The British seem a little off-centre when it comes to the way they use the language that they invented. In some ways, they seem to be influenced by the French in their use of language. Transposed letters and superfluous vowels seem to colour the language. I've probably mentioned this before, so I don't want to belabour this point.

Say, have you seen those new Ultrabooks with aluminium cases that have come out recently? ASUS are really improving their build quality.

7 hours ago, Dr Herbie wrote

@giovanni: As Ray7 says: Microsoft is a single company, but because it is comprised of a group of people you can get away with referring to Microsoft as a collection of people as well.

As long as people understand what you mean, there isn't a problem except with the occasional grammar-*.

Herbie

Yet, if you used "collection of people" in your sentence, you'd still use a singular verb:

"That collection of people at Microsoft is just a swell bunch of guys!"

@blowdart: How about?

That group of people over at Microsoft is just a swell bunch of guys!

Sounds more natural, right?

Microsofties are at work at many places where Microsoft is located.

Microsoft are a company for mad props, right-o, let's play tennis...

3 minutes ago, blowdart wrote

*snip*

Not to me, I'd say are. But then I use the queen's English

I don't think it's that straightforward:  http://public.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/group.html

When the group is being considered as a whole, it can be treated as a single entity: "the group was ready to go on stage." But when the individuality of its members is being emphasized, "group" is plural: "the group were in disagreement about where to go for dinner."

Although, admittedly, that guy is American too.

It's "<corporation> is". Corporations are people my friend.

1 minute ago, Bass wrote

It's "<corporation> is". Corporations are people my friend.

It depends on what the meaning of the word "is" is.

1 minute ago, cbae wrote

*snip*

It depends on what the meaning of the word "is" is.

People, my friend.