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Avid learner Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Separates or separate

Hi,

Is the following sentence correct?

"Sometimes the only thing that separates Heaven and hell is a thin fabric we call forgiveness."

Or should I replace separates with separate?

Thanks, A.L.
  

Top answer

No, "separate" would be wrong since the subject of the verb is singular. the only thing that separates ... the only things that separate ...

— GPY

  • No, "separate" would be wrong since the subject of the verb is singular.
  • the only thing that separates ...
  • the only things that separate ...
  • If you capitalise "Heaven" then you should capitalise "****" too.
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2 Answers
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No, "separate" would be wrong since the subject of the verb is singular.

the only thing that separates ...
the only things that separate ...

If you capitalise "Heaven" then you should capitalise "****" too.
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That's the right tense and plurality for the job.

If it were a number of things separating one thing from another, that's when you'd use 'separate' in the singular i.e.:
"Sometimes the only things that separate Heaven and **** are the ribbons of action we call morality."
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