Subject and Verb

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Original sentence:1. The kernel comprises a set of routines, mostly written in C, that communicate with the hardware directly.My modified sentence:2. The kernel comprises a set of routines, that [are/is] mostly written in C, that communicate with the hardware directly.    (What does that first 'that' refer to? Is it 'kernel' or 'set' or 'routines' ? How do you figure it out? It's so complicated!! What does the second 'that' refer to?)Thanks!!

Rotter · Accepted Answer

Jack, I am sure you are talking about the LInux kernel here.
I like Linux and Solaris. I am a UNIX fan.

This computer I am writing is a Linux one. I am using Mandriva Linux 2006. It is a 64 bit version.

The kernel comprises a set of routines, that [are/is] mostly written in C, that communicate with the hardware directly.

The kernel comprises a set of routines which are mostly written in C and those routines communicate with the hardwae directly.

BarbaraPA · Answer

The way I first read it, by setting off the "mostly written in C" with the commas, you are making it additional or parenthetical information. So the kernel is the subject. And as a singular word, you need the singular verb form, communicates.

But on a second reading, I thought that perhaps routines are supposed to be the things that communicate, not the kernel. (Perhaps your readers would know that? Kernels are things I turn into popcorn.) But as it is, the construction leads to ambiguity.

Try one of these, depending on what the real meaning is:

The kernel comprises a set of routines mostly written in C and communicates with the hardware directly. Here the kernel comprises and communicates.

or

The kernel comprises a set of routines, which are mostly written in C and communicate with the hardware directly. Here the routes are written in C and communite.

Rotter · Answer

I would agree with Grammar Geek if you want to penetrate deep into the meaning.

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