S-V agreement, make/makes ?

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nocy

#523686 Fri, 06 Jun 08 08:00 AM

It's the active decision to get better and

the number of hours you push yourself to improve that make the difference.

It's from my TOEFL book.

Is it grammatically right? I think the number is subject so makes should be written.

what's wrong with me?

what do you think?

nocy

Joined on Sat, Mar 15 2008

New Member (20)

Numbers, TOEFL

Avangi

#523689 Fri, 06 Jun 08 08:11 AM

Hi nocy,

Perhaps you're overlooking the word "and." You have a compound subject. It's determination and work that make the difference. Determination and work are important.

Now if you were to ask me why "it" is singular, I'd have to pass. (Did you catch yesterday's thread on that subject?)

Best wishes, - A.

Avangi

Joined on Mon, Nov 19 2007

Senior Member (3,289)

". . . le plaisir delicieux et toujours nouveau d'une occupation inutile." - Henri de Regnier

Compound subjects

nocy

#523704 Fri, 06 Jun 08 09:28 AM

Thank you for replying :)

You mean " it is ~ that ~ " structure, which is like "it is she that wants to go to the university," right?

nocy

Universities

Yoong Liat

#523882 Fri, 06 Jun 08 06:24 PM

It's the active decision to get better and the number of hours you push yourself to improve that make the difference.

Because of 'and' a plural verb ('make') is required.

Yoong Liat

Joined on Mon, Sep 4 2006

Singapore

Veteran Member (6,006)

Yoong Liat

Verbs, Plurals, Numbers

Avangi

#524248 Sat, 07 Jun 08 06:48 PM

nocy
You mean " it is ~ that ~ " structure, which is like "it is she that wants to go to the university," right?

Right, except it was an obvious plural - It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing this. The questioner wondered why we use the singular "it." Interesting question with some good replies. ("Impurities" thread)

Avangi

Plurals, Universities