These questions ask you to choose or build the verb inside a relative clause. The main challenge is finding what the relative pronoun represents instead of matching the verb to the nearest visible noun.
Trace first, agree second
Circle who, which or that and draw an imaginary line back to the noun phrase the clause actually describes. Replace the relative pronoun with that antecedent in your mind, then choose the finite verb for its number. In the crates beside the door that contain tools, the clause describes crates, so the plural antecedent controls contain; the nearer singular door does not.
| Meaning signal | Agreement method and tiny example |
|---|---|
| The clause describes one person or thing | Use singular agreement: the beacon that flashes at dusk. |
| The clause describes several people or things | Use plural agreement: the beacons that flash at dusk. |
| One member belongs to a larger group, and the clause describes group members | Link the pronoun to the plural group: Rowan is one of the musicians who rehearse upstairs. |
| The wording identifies a unique member | Link the pronoun to the only one: Rowan is the only one of the musicians who rehearses upstairs. |
| Another noun stands between antecedent and verb | Ignore proximity and follow meaning: the letters in the folder that need replies. |
The contrast between one of and the only one is a meaning contrast, not a mechanical preference for whichever noun is closer. Both patterns are standard when the context fixes the intended antecedent. After choosing number, check tense and finiteness separately so that a participle or a verb from another time frame does not slip through.
Where the mistakes come from
- The verb agrees with the nearest noun inside a prepositional phrase. That noun may only modify the true antecedent, so proximity cannot replace tracing the relative pronoun.
- A singular present or auxiliary form follows an unmistakably plural antecedent, or a plural form follows one item. Substitute the antecedent for the relative pronoun and listen to the complete subject-verb pair.
- The plural group controls agreement even though the wording singles out the only member with the stated property. When the clause describes the unique one, the relative verb is singular.
- A participle, progressive or perfect form is chosen merely because its number seems plausible. Confirm that the clause has the finite tense and construction requested as well as the right number.
Try it
Complete with who followed by the singular simple-past be-passive of select. Priya was the only one of the applicants ___ for the fellowship.
Complete with that followed by the plural simple-past be-passive of damage. Inspectors replaced the windows ___ during the storm. Damage affected several windows.
Complete with who followed by the singular simple-past be-passive of promote. Of all the assistants, Nia was the only one ___ in June.