Subject-Verb Agreement with 'One of the Members'

In English grammar, the rule of subject-verb agreement is often clear-cut, but certain structures can make it more challenging. One such structure involves the relative pronoun who with the phrase one of the members. This article will explore the correct choice between the singular and plural forms of verbs in sentences like these.

Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement in Plural Nouns

The relative pronoun who requires an antecedent to ensure subject-verb agreement. The question arises: does the subject-verb agreement depend on one or members? In the phrase one of the members, the plural noun members is the antecedent. Therefore, the verb should be in the plural form. For example:

Sachin Tendulkar is one of the players who have been selected for the team.

This sentence correctly uses a plural verb because players is the antecedent. The subject-verb agreement is between players and have been.

Role of Commas in Avoiding Misleading Clauses

A comma can significantly affect the interpretation of subject-verb agreement. When a comma separates the antecedent and the relative clause, the sentence structure changes and may require a singular verb. For example:

Sachin Tendulkar is one of the players, who has been selected for the team.

Here, the insertion of a comma before who makes the clause non-restrictive, and the relative pronoun who modifications the singular one. Thus, the singular verb has been is correct.

When the Antecedent Is Clear

If the context clearly indicates that one is the antecedent, as in One of the members, the singular form of the verb should be used. For instance:

One of the members is dead.

In this case, the singular form is is appropriate because one is the subject, and it corresponds to a singular form of the verb. Conversely, if more than one member is involved:

Two of the members are dead.

Here, the plural form are is necessary as the subject is members, which is plural.

Conclusion

Subject-verb agreement in sentences involving one of the members can be tricky due to the close proximity of members to the verb. However, the key is to identify the antecedent and ensure that the subject and verb agree appropriately. The correct form will be influenced not only by the noun but also by the presence of commas and the intended meaning of the sentence. By understanding the principles discussed above, you can navigate these grammatical challenges more confidently and produce clear, coherent sentences.