As a copy editor, it`s essential to understand the intricacies of the English language, particularly when it comes to verb agreement. One area where confusion often arises is when using “who” as a subject in a sentence. The question is, which verb form should we use with “who”? Singular or plural?
The answer is that it depends on the context and the intended meaning of the sentence. Let`s explore the different scenarios where “who” is used and how to ensure verb agreement.
1. “Who” as a singular subject
When “who” is used as a singular subject, the verb form should also be singular. For example:
– Who is the new manager of the department?
– Who has the keys to the office?
In both cases, “who” is referring to one person, and therefore, a singular verb form is appropriate.
2. “Who” as a plural subject
When “who” is referring to multiple people, the verb form should be plural. For example:
– Who are the guests arriving tonight?
– Who have submitted their applications for the job?
In both cases, “who” is referring to more than one person, and therefore, a plural verb form is appropriate.
3. “Who” as an indefinite subject
When “who” is used as an indefinite subject, meaning we don`t know the specific person(s) involved, the verb form can be either singular or plural. For example:
– Who wants to go to the concert with me?
– Who knows the answer to this question?
In the first sentence, the speaker does not know how many people want to go to the concert, so either a singular or plural verb form could be used. However, the second sentence implies that there is only one person who knows the answer, and therefore, a singular verb form is more appropriate.
In summary, verb agreement with “who” depends on whether it`s used as a singular or plural subject, or as an indefinite subject where it`s unclear how many people are involved. As a professional, it`s crucial to ensure proper verb agreement to improve the readability and clarity of the content. Following these guidelines will help avoid confusion and ensure accurate communication.