It’s clear from evidence and information at our disposal that often, people, especially composers of the words, are uncertain whether to pluralise the nouns, “evidence,” and “information,” in similar cases of the written and spoken language. At best, some attempt to play safe, used the two vocabularies as it matters to them rather than keep to the rules of correctly engaging “evidence,” “information” in the singular or plural noun. The confusion has persisted over time, calling the English purists and masters to wake up to their responsibilities by taking common position to correct the anomalies. Although, a times the language enthusiasts may tend to disagree among themselves on certain use of words, ranging from spellings, pronunciation, among others.
That which stands out clearly is the British, American English which the dictionary, for instance, tends to separate. To solve the problem, one is either asked to go with or recognise the British and American English, and accordingly engage them to suit his or her purpose. For the British English appears to dominate or take precedence over the American English, so long as the Commonwealth nations are concerned, is a pointer to the fact that our colonial mentality in all facets of life has stuck. English language, I mean, the pure or Queen’s English is the language of the media, social interaction and for communicating our ideas. Therefore, if not by accident, every country then under the British influence, except America, have adopted almost wholly the British indoctrination; from culture, lifestyle, down to the language of education. So, we are stuck with the British English in spelling, and pronunciation, typically used in print and the electronic media.
The serious and popular press have adopted the British English, but for a few broadcast stations keen on staying with the American English to the utter dismay of some veteran broadcasters who insist, either the British English and nothing else as it concerns the nation’s media space. Now to look critically into abuse of the nouns, “evidence,” and “information” for those who insist on abandoning the singular form in pursuit of the plural format without considering the fact that they remain in the singular, in whichever context they are used. That also remind me of the adjective, “press” that often suffers the same misapplication. Quoting the dictionary, Chambers 21st Century dictionary, “there is often uncertainty as to whether collective nouns such as ” press ” should be followed by a singular or plural verb.” According to the reference book, “either is correct, depending on whether the group is being thought as a singular unit or as a number of individuals.”
The dictionary advice would help us connect with proper application of the nouns, “evidence” and “information.” Evidence, as some understand it, is about obtaining information that gives grounds for belief; point to, reveals or suggest something; written or spoken testimony used in court of law,” Chambers 21st Century dictionary, emphasised. To put it plainly, “evidence” can only be pluralised, if one has a bulk or more than one evidence to tender in the law court. Pieces of evidence would suffice. In short, don’t be deceived by what other people say; to speak “evidences” in matters of pushing your case to convince the listening publics. It’s poor English, at best described as linguistic noise when we are expressing our thoughts. I have seen or read about the word, “information” wrongly pluralised, among users of the language.
Information is often used in the singular, unless we are referring to more than an item, then we write and speak “pieces of information.” For our information, the noun, “information,” in the words of the reference book, is knowledge gained or given, facts, news, often shortened “info.” Communicating or receiving of knowledge, stretching it further, also as adjective, one can conveniently speak of, “information desk,” “information centre,” “information technology,” “information superhighway,” the dictionary, expanded.
