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Cup cake Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Subject verb agreement 2

Hi Folks,

I've just typed this sentence...

'Debbie will answer questions that are being asked.'

I'm certain this is correct, yet 'Word grammar check' says it should be - is!

What is the verb really answering, the word 'answer', or the word 'questions'?

This is a bit of a bug bear for me.

Thanks,
Cup Cake. Emotion: smile
  

Top answer

I agree with you. The questions that are being asked will be answered by Debbie. Out of interest, see what Word says if you write " Debbie will answer the questions that are being asked" .

— Blue Jay

  • I agree with you.
  • The questions that are being asked will be answered by Debbie.
  • Out of interest, see what Word says if you write " Debbie will answer the questions that are being asked" .
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2 Answers
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I agree with you. The questions that are being asked will be answered by Debbie.
Out of interest, see what Word says if you write "Debbie will answer the questions that are being asked".
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...WILL ANSWER... is the verb of the main section (clause) while QUESTIONS becomes the subject of the second verb (ARE BEING ASKED0 through the linking word THAT. Word grammar is obviously confused by 'answer' being the form of the noun as well as the verb. Here ANSWER is the verb, of course.
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