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Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

ARE or IS?

Nothing but you IS like ...

or

Nothing but you ARE like ...

I would guess on "is" because the "is" is referring to "nothing" and that is 3rd person present form. But sometimes I think the "but you" kind of changes the subject of the sentence to YOU and then it would be "are".. and then I get really confused.

Any ideas?

/Brian
  

Top answer

One problem, Brian, is that your fragment doesn't make sense. — No one but you is [hungry ]. is ).

— Mister Micawber

  • One problem, Brian, is that your fragment doesn't make sense.
  • — No one but you is [hungry ].
  • is ).
  • However, proximal and notional concord will lead many native speakers to naturally use the 2nd person (.
  • you are ).
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2 Answers
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One problem, Brian, is that your fragment doesn't make sense. Is this what you mean?—

No one but you is [hungry].

The verb is 3rd person singular in grammatical concord with the subject (no one...is). However, proximal and notional concord will lead many native speakers to naturally use the 2nd person (...you are). You will find proponents of
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Thank you for your answer.

Actually my fragment is "correct". It's actually part of some lyrics for a song that i'm trying to make sure is correct.

I've chosen "Nothing" instead of "No one" to make it more powerful and to include more than just people in the meaning.

But your answer is good. I will go with "is" on this one.

Thank you!

/Brian
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