Question

I need help with these, I have to edit the following sentences to eliminate problems with subject-verb agreement.

1. Measles is a contagious childhood disease.
2. Adorning a shelf in the lab are a Vietnamese figurine, a set of Korean clay gods, and an American plastic village.
3. The presence of certain bacteria in our bodies is one of the factors that determines our overall health.
4. Sheila is the only one of the many applicants who has the ability to step into this job.
5. Neither the explorer nor his companions were ever seen again.

Answer 1

I checked with another long-time English teacher and she agrees with me. # 3 should be "one . . . determines . . ."

Computer programs aren't always right. <g>

Answer 2

My professor counted that one wrong, I tried to argue my case but with no luck. He stated that it is based on factors and not one.

Answer 3

Yes. The subject of "determines" is "one."

Answer 4

The reason I ask is because MS Word has determines underlined and the correction is determine.

Answer 5

ok thank you

Answer 6

You're welcome.

Answer 7

i know...............duhhh

Answer 8

that is a good ans

Answer 9

So #3 would be determines not determine?

Answer 10

The subject of "determines" is "that," not "one." But Writeacher and I still believe that the correct verb is "determines."