Which is Correct: 'These are examples of what makes' or 'These are examples of what make'
When it comes to constructing sentences in English, one common question is whether to use a singular or plural verb with a subject introduced by the noun clause "what". This arises in constructions such as "These are examples of what makes…" or "These are examples of what make…". Here, we will explore the distinctions and correct usage for both options. Moreover, we will delve into the complexities of pronouns like "what" and their relation to verb forms in English.
The Role of 'What' in Noun Clauses
First, it's essential to understand the function of "what" in a noun clause. "What" serves as the subject of the noun clause when it is introduced by a verb expressing a complete thought or idea. In such cases, the verb in the noun clause should match the subject in number (singular or plural), adhering to the principles of subject-verb agreement.
Singular Noun Clauses
When "what" is the singular subject of a noun clause and the clause itself is used as a subject in a larger sentence, a singular verb is required. For example:
These are examples of what makes our work more difficult.
In this sentence, "what" refers to a singular, abstract concept (like a factor or principle), making it the singular subject of the noun clause. The verb "makes" is therefore also singular to maintain subject-verb agreement.
Plural Noun Clauses
Conversely, if the noun clause with "what" includes a plural subject or a plural complement, a plural verb is necessary to ensure subject-verb agreement. Here are a few examples:
These are some of the factors that make our work difficult.
They know what the problems are.
They understand what I am.
In these sentences, "factors", "problems", and "I" are all plural subjects or complements, which necessitates the use of plural verbs "make", "are", and "am" to maintain grammatical agreement.
Understanding Pronoun 'What'
The pronoun "what" behaves uniquely in English grammar. While it can be a singular subject in certain contexts, its usage can be more complex. "What" often introduces a noun clause and can represent an abstract concept or a general class of objects or ideas. For instance, in the sentence "What makes our work difficult," "what" is functioning as a singular subject representing an unspecified concept that is singular in both form and meaning.
When to Use Plurals with 'What'
There are situations where, even though "what" is singular, the clause itself includes a plural complement, necessitating a plural verb. For example:
She knows what the problems are.
This sentence has "what" as the subject (singular) but the complement "the problems" is plural. Therefore, the verb "are" is required to agree with the plural subject of the noun clause.
They know what the students need.
In this construction, "what" is the subject of the noun clause, but "the students" is the subject of the verb "need." Consequently, the verb "need" is plural to match the subject "the students" of the complement.
They understand what I am.
Similar to the previous example, "what" is the subject of the noun clause, and "I am" is a singular complement, leading to the use of the singular verb "am."
Summary and Usage Tips
In conclusion, the correct choice between "makes" and "make" depends on the subject and complement of the noun clause. If "what" is followed by a plural subject or complement within the clause, use a plural verb. For a singular complement, use a singular verb. Title the sentence to reflect the subject of the noun clause accurately:
These are examples of what makes our work more difficult.
Indicates that the subject "what" is singular and represents an abstract concept that contributes singularly to the difficulty.
These are some of the factors that make our work difficult.
Here, "factors" is plural, requiring a plural verb to maintain grammatical agreement.
By being mindful of these grammatical rules, one can ensure the clarity and correctness of their writing, whether in formal documents, academic papers, or everyday communication.
Key Takeaways:
Understand the subject-verb agreement rules for singular and plural subjects introduced by "what."
Pay attention to the subject and complement within the noun clause to determine the correct verb form.
Be consistent and clear with your sentence structure to avoid ambiguity.