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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Singular or plural with not only...but also
Which is correct:
"not only Kosaka but also Sakamoto was a realist" or
"not only Kosaka but also Sakamoto were realists"?
Similarly,
"not only the trainer but also the trainees were qualified" or
"not only the trainer but also the trainees was qualified"?
"not only Kosaka but also Sakamoto was a realist" or
"not only Kosaka but also Sakamoto were realists"?
Similarly,
"not only the trainer but also the trainees were qualified" or
"not only the trainer but also the trainees was qualified"?
Top answer
Hi Anon I'd use "was a realist" in your first sentence, and in your second sentence I'd use "were qualified". I think I'd follow the same sort of rule we use for "or" in this case: the use of the singular or plural form of the verb is determined by the noun closest to the verb. What your sentences mean are: - Kosaka was a realist, and so was Sakamoto.
- Hi Anon I'd use "was a realist" in your first sentence, and in your second sentence I'd use "were qualified".
- I think I'd follow the same sort of rule we use for "or" in this case: the use of the singular or plural form of the verb is determined by the noun closest to the verb.
- What your sentences mean are: - Kosaka was a realist, and so was Sakamoto.
- - The trainer was qualified, and so were the trainees.
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4 Answers
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Hi Anon
I'd use "was a realist" in your first sentence, and in your second sentence I'd use "were qualified".
I think I'd follow the same sort of rule we use for "or" in this case: the use of the singular or plural form of the verb is determined by the noun closest to the verb.
What your sentences mean are:
- Kosaka was a realist, and so was Saka
I'd use "was a realist" in your first sentence, and in your second sentence I'd use "were qualified".
I think I'd follow the same sort of rule we use for "or" in this case: the use of the singular or plural form of the verb is determined by the noun closest to the verb.
What your sentences mean are:
- Kosaka was a realist, and so was Saka
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Thanks! I also thought it should follow the same rule for "or" but couldn't make up my mind! Thanks again...
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Anonymous"not only Kosaka but also Sakamoto were realists"?Not good. I would say:
Both Kosaka and Sakamoto were realists.
CB
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Cool BreezeMy sentiments exactly, CB.Anonymous"not only Kosaka but also Sakamoto were realists"?Not good.
Well, to be honest, not "exactly". Your comment was a bit more mildly put than my actual sentiments.
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