Subject Verb Agreement: I'm confused to use singular and plural verbs in the following sentence:
1. Studying late at night is one of those things that make / makes me tired.
2.Faurk is one of my friends who is / are doing job in bank.
3. Fuchka is one of my favorite foods that is / are cheap.

I'm having hard time using the correct verbs. say, in the 3rd sentence, I don't know whether it is "is" or "are". I understand that in the sentence "that" should refer to "favorite foods". in this sense, I should use "are". but I'm talking about "Fuchka" here and nor are all my favorite foods cheap.
Please explain the correct answer.

Question

Subject Verb Agreement:  I'm confused to use singular and plural verbs in the following sentence:
1. Studying late at night is one of those things that make / makes me tired.
2.Faurk is one of my friends who is / are doing job in bank.
3. Fuchka is one of my favorite foods that is / are cheap.

I'm having hard time using the correct verbs. say, in the 3rd sentence, I don't know whether it is "is" or "are". I understand that in the sentence "that" should refer to "favorite foods". in this sense, I should use "are". but I'm talking about "Fuchka" here and nor are all my favorite foods cheap. 
Please explain the correct answer.

Answer

thanks Bree. I was doing a TOEFL practice test where I came across the first sentence I mentioned and I did answer "makes", but it turned out to be wrong. that's why I was wondering which one is the correct answer.

Answer

Hi Efat,

1. "Makes" - one of those things is singular. 
If it was "one of the many things" (plural) it would me "make".

2. Is - because we are referring to one friend

3. "Is" -the singular refers to the subject (Fuchka)

Answers · 2

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!