Learn English – Usage of the word “series”

word-usage

There is one word that confuses me a lot – series. What is hard for me to understand is that this word has only plural form while pretty related word movie has a singular form as well. So I would like to know whether the following sentences are correct:

  1. What are your favorite series?
  2. My favorite series are True Detective.
  3. Have you seen the new series Taboo?

Is there a word with a singular form, like a movie but for TV series?
And the last question – should I add TV before series or is it implied?

Best Answer

Series is both singular and plural. It depends on the sense, it takes a singular verb when it has a sense of "one set", even though it's followed by a plural of-phrase

A series of lectures is scheduled

In the 1st and 2nd examples, it refers to one or more sets of series. But for the third sentence, it can be interpreted as a singular or plural noun, depending on the context.

The TV is optional because it can be understood from the context.


Reference

American Heritage Guide to Contemporary Usage and Style

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