Singular vs Plural: Clarifying the Verb in Relative Clauses

When it comes to grammatical correctness, particularly in relative clauses, it can be a bit of a minefield. This article will explore a common source of confusion seen in sentences like 'Rena is one of those shoppers who only buy things on sale.' We'll delve into why the verb here is 'buy' and not 'buys,' and why this is a widely accepted grammatical rule.

The Role of Adjective Clauses in Sentence Structure

The sentence 'Rena is one of those shoppers who only buy things on sale' presents an interesting grammatical challenge. The key aspect to consider is the change in verb form between speaking and writing. When speaking, a person might say, 'Rena only buys things on sale,' as the action is perceived as a personal habit. However, when writing, the sentence structure changes to 'Rena is one of those shoppers who only buy things on sale.' This difference is due to the use of a relative clause, which modifies the noun phrase 'those shoppers.'

Understanding the Subject in a Relative Clause

Let's break down the sentence structure. The relative clause is 'who only buy things on sale.' The subject of this clause is 'those shoppers.' Even though the relative clause refers to the singular noun 'Rena,' the verb must agree with the plural subject 'shoppers.' This is why the correct form of the verb is 'buy.' Grammatical rules dictate that the verb in the relative clause must be conjugated to match the subject of the clause, which in this case is plural.

Common Misconceptions and Native Speaker Intuition

Many native speakers, including myself, sometimes mix up the singular and plural forms in writing. The confusion arises because when speaking, we tend to treat actions as personal habits, leading us to use the singular form. However, when writing, we must be mindful of the grammatical structure and rules.

For example, consider the sentence 'There are many shoppers who only buy things on sale Rena is one of them.' In writing, we might be tempted to use 'buys' because it sounds more natural when speaking. Nonetheless, the correct form remains 'buy,' as it agrees with the plural subject 'shoppers.'

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Conclusion

Understanding the grammatical rules governing the use of singular and plural forms, especially in relative clauses, is essential for both writing and SEO. By ensuring grammatical correctness, you can enhance the readability and credibility of your content, making it more appealing to both human readers and search engines. Remember, the verb in a relative clause should agree with its plural subject.

Note: If you're struggling with similar grammatical issues or need help with enhancing the SEO of your content, feel free to reach out for further assistance.