Subject verb (dis)agreement?
The verb "make" should be pluralized in this sentence, yet... when I read the full thing, it feels as if "makes" makes sense!?
Well, the alley you’re in at the moment isn’t exactly any cozier, you suppose, what with the tavern's backdoor having sealed the kitchen’s warmth inside and the winter air's passionate gnawing of your skin, but the company and common purpose you share with these other children makes this infinitely more bearable.
If I cut the middle part out ("what with..."), however, "make" definitely sounds more right.
I'm befuddled. What do you think?
Thank you for your time! 
Top answer
For me, the part "what with ... skin" makes no difference at all to the point you are asking about. I can't see how it could.
- For me, the part "what with ...
- skin" makes no difference at all to the point you are asking about.
- I can't see how it could.
- " or did you actually mean the part "you share with these other children"?
- If you consider "the company and common purpose" as logically one thing, which to me seems reasonable, then "makes" is OK.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
For me, the part "what with ... skin" makes no difference at all to the point you are asking about. I can't see how it could. Did you mean "what with ..." or did you actually mean the part "you share with these other children"?
If you consider "the company and common purpose" as logically one thing, which to me seems reasonable, then "makes" is OK.
0
Related Questions