Is "makes" really wrong here?
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- AliceofX
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Is "makes" really wrong here?
The editor said it should be make instead of makes. I keep thinking about it, but I still don't understand it. Am I just being dumb about this?That and the few editing errors makes me give this book 3 out of 4 stars.
- Harley-Panda
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Source: https://english.stackexchange.com/quest ... -statementQuestion: Should I use make or makes in the following statement:
Please explain why your experience and qualifications makes you the best candidate for this position
Answer: "Make" should be used here, but the reason is not simply because there is a multiple subject. The rule for subject-verb agreement when there is a multiple subject is this:
If the multiple subjects are joined by and, then the verb is plural.
If the multiple subjects are joined by or/nor then the verb is singular.
Examples:
The orange, banana, and the jar always sit on the shelf when it rains.
In this scenario, either Job, Barney, or Rachel runs to Mrs. Norris and gives her a piece of fish.
Thus, in your case, "make" is used because your multiple subject is joined by "and".
So I think because you've joined your list with "and" it means you're supposed to write "make" instead of "makes". I'm sure I've definitely made a mistake with this one myself in the past! I hope this helps
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AliceofX wrote: ↑11 Sep 2018, 08:00 In my last review I had the following sentence:The editor said it should be make instead of makes. I keep thinking about it, but I still don't understand it. Am I just being dumb about this?That and the few editing errors makes me give this book 3 out of 4 stars.
Your subject is plural. Naturally, the verb should be in plural form. "Make" is in plural form.
there's something wrong with your argument." ~ M. Saatchi
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