"...I don't have money, but what I do have are a very particular set of skills." Is this correct?

Question

If you are looking for ransom I can tell you I don't have money, but what I do have are a very particular set of skills.

I'm talking about that verb in italics, because I'm not sure if I'm an idiot or my 'friend' is. Because I think it's supposed to be is instead of are.

No doubt a duplicate - questions about singular/plural with a set/group/etc. BrE vs AmE etc. — Drew, Mar 01 '18 at 03:08
Related, I think: verb agreement: what he is looking for are/is books — herisson, Mar 01 '18 at 03:55

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Mar 26 '18 at 16:47

1

The object you have is singular (a set), so... my sentence just answered your question. What you have is a set of skills.

answered Mar 26 '18 at 16:47

James

51

2

As this is an answer, a little more elaboration with a citation would be helpful. – lbf Mar 26 '18 at 19:14
Here you go? www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp – James Mar 27 '18 at 22:08
edit that into your answer if you will. – lbf Mar 27 '18 at 22:10

chambln · Answer 2 · 2018-03-01T05:32:04.583

0

Assuming you don't subscribe to the “what” or “all” clause takes a singular verb rule, the question here is whether the verb should agree plurally with the accusative noun set or the genitive noun skills. I couldn't find any information on this but I would say that either is acceptable. If I was feeling particularly pedantic I might prefer the former.

edited Mar 01 '18 at 05:32

answered Mar 01 '18 at 05:26

chambln

268

"...I don't have money, but what I do have *are* a very particular set of skills." Is this correct?

2 Answers2

"...I don't have money, but what I do have are a very particular set of skills." Is this correct?