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
Asked
Active
Viewed 2.4e+01k times
8
-
Related: http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/9053/should-i-use-the-singular-or-plural-verb-in-mathematical-formulae-two-and-two-m – aedia λ Sep 29 '11 at 23:28
2 Answers
8
"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".
-
One edge case here is when your multiple subjects that are joined by 'or' are themselves plural, in which case the plural verb is still used:
Either the Johnsons or the Andersons visit Old Mrs. Hendricks every week.– Hellion Aug 02 '11 at 20:05 -
@Thursagen Well, this means that the rule doesn't change. Because when you are using "or", you are rather referring to a single entity with your verb and thus there is only one subject.
Just my thoughts...
– Omar Abid Aug 02 '11 at 22:58 -
If the compound subjects notionally comprise a composite whole, singular agreement is often preferred: 'Fish and chips is certainly not my favourte meal.' 'Health and safety is of paramount importance.' – Edwin Ashworth Sep 14 '16 at 15:56
2
You should use 'make' because the opening phrase contains a list of things (experience and qualifications).
Please explain why [list of things] make you the best candidate...
As opposed to:
Please explain why [one thing] makes you the best candidate...
e.James
- 8,154
- 3
- 36
- 37