So on Spidey's notes, it says:
"Sometiems, a quantiifier refers to one thing, not many things. For example, "each", "every", and "one" always refer to one thing...if hte quantifier is always singular, then the verb must always be singular too.
So accordingly, a correct sentence woudl read:
One of the cars IS red.
However, on other notes, I've read that it always depends on the noun itself.
So accordingly, a correct sentence would read:
One of the cars ARE red.
WHICH IS CORRECT? Please help! [/b]
really confused...please help
This topic has expert replies
I don't think your sentences are a proper exemplification of the type of error you are talking about here.
In your example, "One of the cars is red" is always correct. Never use "are" in this situation.
The more common error arises from a different type of grammatical construct involving clauses.
These sentences work:
1. One of the cars is red, and is parked in the driveway.
2. One of the cars that are red is parked in the driveway.
The first sentences means that one red car out of all the cars (whether they are red, blue yellow, whatever) is parked in the driveway.
The second sentence means that all the cars are red, and one is parked in the driveway.
In your example, "One of the cars is red" is always correct. Never use "are" in this situation.
The more common error arises from a different type of grammatical construct involving clauses.
These sentences work:
1. One of the cars is red, and is parked in the driveway.
2. One of the cars that are red is parked in the driveway.
The first sentences means that one red car out of all the cars (whether they are red, blue yellow, whatever) is parked in the driveway.
The second sentence means that all the cars are red, and one is parked in the driveway.