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Sun 6 Jan, 2008 08:42 am
Who is there at the door? (Even if there is more than one perspm, 'is' should be used.)
But about 'what'. There are a few things on the table. Do I say "What is on the table?" or "What are on the table?"
Many thanks.
I would ask "What is on the table?"
There is one table, it has a top, the top may contain many or just one thing. Your question asks more about the table than the items. Change table to "car" or "bed."
What is in the car? or What is on the bed?
However, the response may be "There are knives, forks, spoons, and dishes on the table."
Thanks, Sullyfish, so it is like 'Who is it?'
I think a standard rule of thumb is unless there is a noun signifying more than one use the singular verb.
Even if there are 4 chairs at a table you would ask "Who sits at this table?"
parados wrote:I think a standard rule of thumb is unless there is a noun signifying more than one use the singular verb.
Even if there are 4 chairs at a table you would ask "Who sits at this table?"
Hi Parados
I would like to clarify. If there are 4 people sitting at the table, I've to say "Who is sitting at the table?" Is that what you mean?
Many thanks.
Yoong Liat wrote:parados wrote:I think a standard rule of thumb is unless there is a noun signifying more than one use the singular verb.
Even if there are 4 chairs at a table you would ask "Who sits at this table?"
Hi Parados
I would like to clarify. If there are 4 people sitting at the table, I've to say "Who is sitting at the table?" Is that what you mean?
Many thanks.
Yes, I was pointing out all verbs, not just a form of the verb "to be", would be the singular.
Many thanks, Parados.
Yes, I was pointing out all verbs, not just a form of the verb "to be", would be the singular.
Could you please give me a couple of sentences so that I will have a clearer picture?
Thanks again.
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