Here's one for you grammarians

[desperance]

In the phrase "all manner of", is the word 'manner' singular as it appears, or is it some kind of hidden plural? Does one say "There was all manner of ways", or "There were all manner of ways"?

Comments

[glinda-w.livejournal.com]

I'd go with "were" - it's what I'm used to hearing, anyway, but can't point to any specific reason why (blasted brainfog, etc.). Also, what feels comfortable for me is US usage; I know the UK has some different rules (frex, a company/corporation is singular in the US, plural there).