Who + plural verb

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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vims
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Who + plural verb

Post by vims »

Dear Alan,

As in the following sentences, can we use a plural verb with who?

1. Who are playing in the park?
2. Who were watching TV at home?
3. Who do this work every day?

Mostly I have seen a singular verb in such cases. But I would like to know if one can use a plural verb when he/she has some idea about the answer being in plural.

Thank you.
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Alan
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Re: Who + plural verb

Post by Alan »

Conversationally acceptable, but, for formal/written usage, 'who' as an interrogative is singular, irrespective of the speaker's expectations.
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