[Spend] Or [Spends] More Time?

Question

+0

(1a) John, a Grade 7 student, seems to try harder and spend more time on his homework. (my version)

I think "spend" is correct because it modifies "seems". That means, in a longer form,

John, a Grade 7 student, seems to try harder and he seems to spend more time on his homework.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1b) John, a Grade 7 student, seems to try harder and spends more time on his homework. (my friends' version).

They think "spends" is correct because it modifies "John". In a longer form,

John, a Grade 7 student, seems to try harder and he spends more time on his homework.

Which one is correct: (1a) or (1b)? Thank you for your help.

Jun 02 2020 03:59:54

GPY · Accepted Answer · 2020-06-02T16:29

Both are correct, with the distinction being as you have described.

Clive · Accepted Answer · 2020-06-02T16:50

Both are correct, with different meanings.

In 1A, he seems to spend more time on his homework.

In 1B, it is stated as a fact.

Clive