Phrase: one of those

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

I have been confused by this type of sentence.

“Studying late at night is one of those things that MAKE me tired”

and “Studying late at night is one of those things that MAKES me tired”

I first thought that the former was true with a plural subject, but I found other sentences whose subjects are considered singular.

This is another example:
“She is one of those who ENJOY spending money.” and “She is one of those who ENJOYS spending money”

Please help me ! My exam is coming very soon.

2

Hi,

The best way to look at this situation is to split it into two parts:

Of things that MAKE me tired, studying late IS one.. As you can see, technically ‘make’ is needed as a plural verb referring to ‘things’. Having said that, I would say that the singular ‘makes’ in that sentence would often be heard in conversation.

Alan

3

The third person singular of the verb is ‘makes’…

4

“makes” is a plural, isn’t it ?

5

Not in reference to the verb “to make”.

“To make” conjugations

First-person singular: I make

First-person plural: We make

Second-person: You make (same for the singular and plural uses of “you”)

Third-person singular: He makes OR She makes

Third-person plural: They make

“Makes” is used only with the third-person singular – you would never say “they makes” or “we makes” or “I makes” or “you makes”.

“Make” is also a noun – it refers to the brand of a car.

Tom: What is the make of your car?
Alan: Bentley

Tom: How many car makes are sold at Utopia Ford?
Alan: I think that they sell two makes – Ford and Lincoln.

In terms of the noun, yes, “makes” is the plural form.

6

Thanks - now edited.

Alan