Number rule

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Number rule

by GMAT_2010_2707 » Thu Feb 09, 2012 9:02 am
For construction - " X is one of the Ys (plural) that are/is"
We need plural verb or singular verb in this construction?

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by [email protected] » Thu Feb 09, 2012 7:50 pm
Should be "are" since "Y" is plural subject.

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by karthikgmat » Thu Feb 09, 2012 9:42 pm
I think X is the subject " X is one" so singular should be used here.

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by [email protected] » Thu Feb 09, 2012 10:13 pm
karthikgmat wrote:I think X is the subject " X is one" so singular should be used here.
"One" is one of those special indefinite pronouns for which you must examine the object of the the preposition (the "of construction") to determine the whether to use a singular or plural verb.
Here "Y" is plural and hence that "are" is the right construction.

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by LalaB » Fri Feb 10, 2012 5:07 am
1. One of the X's that/who <plural>
2. One of the X's <singular>
3. Only one of the X's <singular>
4. Only one of the X's that/who <plural>
5. The only one of the X's that/who <singular>


please refer to the following link to get more info -
https://www.beatthegmat.com/papgust-s-gm ... 50-45.html

hope it helps

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by GMATGuruNY » Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:22 am
Focus on the MEANING.

John is THE ONLY ONE of the members WHO IS PLANNING TO ATTEND.

Here, John is THE ONLY ONE planning to attend.
No other members are planning to attend.
In other words:
Of the members, John is THE ONLY ONE WHO IS PLANNING TO ATTEND.
Since John is THE ONLY ONE, IS PLANNING is correct.

John is only one of THE MEMBERS WHO ARE PLANNING TO ATTEND.

Here, other members ARE PLANNING to attend.
John is ONLY ONE of these members.
In other words:
Of the MEMBERS WHO ARE PLANNING TO ATTEND, John is only one.
Since John is not THE only one -- other members ARE PLANNING to attend -- a plural verb is needed here.
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