Asked by Cory

why is :

she is one of the few quaterbacks who (is/are) ready for prime time

the answer is "are" why is that correct? shouldnt it be is because she is one=singular?
Answered by bobpursley
few quarterbacks who are ready.

few quarterbacks are plural.
Answered by Cory
but that's a prepositional phrase, ithought those don't matter in determining the plurality of a verb
Answered by Writeacher
Bobpursley is right: "quarterbacks" is plural, so "who" is also plural, and the verb that goes with "who" needs to be plural, too.

The main clause is this:
"She is one of the few quarterbacks"

The relative clause that modifies "quarterbacks" is this:
"who are ready for prime time."
Answered by Cory
so youre saying that prep phrases matter now?

so youre saying: everyone of those flyers are green instead of is?
Answered by Ms. Sue
I really hate to disagree with my colleagues, but I agree with you, Cory. I think the correct verb is "is."

<b>She is one of the few quarterbacks who (is/are) ready for prime time.</b>

This sentence is talking about one person and therefore should take a singular verb.

Answered by Cory
well, i think i'm wrong b/c the answer says it's 'are'. i don't get why tho..
Answered by Writeacher
I see what Ms. Sue means, and the sentence can be taken in a couple of ways. I took it this way:

There are a few quarterbacks ready for prime time, and she is one of them.

She is one of the few quarterbacks (<~~main clause) who (antecedent is "quarterbacks") are ready for prime time.

I know it can be taken both ways, but if the answer you are given is "are" then that is the explanation. It rests on what the antecedent of "who" is -- "quarterbacks" or "she"?

Answered by Ms. Sue
Thank you, Writeacher. I puzzled over this for some time before I posted. The best advice for someone writing this sentence is don't! Find another way of saying exactly what you mean. <g>
Answered by Writeacher
Exactly! It's not a good sentence to include on a grammar quiz or assignment!
Answered by Cory
oh, it was an SAT question so i had no choice... thank you!
Answered by Ms. Sue
Cory -- why is your subject 6th gr GRAMMAR when the question was from SAT?

This was misleading and deceptive.
Answered by Cory
because it was a 6th grade grammar question on my book- they labled it as a 6th grade level. sorry to mislead you.
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