Correct Phrasing of 'Who Do the Work' and 'Who Does the Work'
When constructing sentences with the phrase 'who do the work' or 'who does the work', it is important to follow the rules of subject-verb agreement. This article aims to clarify the correct phrasing for these phrases based on the context in which they are used.
Understanding the Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement is critical in English grammar. The verb used in a sentence must match the subject in terms of number (singular or plural). This principle applies to all parts of a sentence and is essential for clarity and correctness in communication.
Singular Entity
When the subject refers to a singular entity, the verb is singular. For example, if you are referring to a single person or entity doing the work, you should use 'who does the work'. Here are some examples:
It is you who does the work. It is she who does the work. It is I who do the work.These examples demonstrate that 'who' determines the verb form, which is a third-person singular.
Plural Entity
When the subject refers to a plural entity or a group, the verb is plural. For example, if you are referring to multiple people or a group doing the work, you should use 'who do the work'. Here are some examples:
It is you all who do the work. It is good to meet you all nurses, as it is you who do the work.In these examples, 'who' is followed by a plural verb.
Contextual Usage
Context plays a significant role in choosing between 'who does the work' and 'who do the work'. The choice depends on the specific situation or the message you want to convey. For instance, if you are giving a response to a specific question, the word choice should fit the scenario.
Example Scenarios
Question:
And who does the work around here?
Response:
It is you who does the work.
Here, the response fits the singular context of the question 'who does the work'. If the context is about multiple people, the response should be:
It is you all who do the work.
In another situation, if Todd is giving Amy instructions, the appropriate phrasing could be:
Question:
Who would do the work?
Response:
It is you who do the work.
Question:
Should I do the work?
Response:
You do the work. No should, no would. Just do.
In these scenarios, the choice of 'do' or 'does' depends on the referred subject.
Instructional Context
Both 'who do the work' and 'who does the work' can be used in instructional contexts, provided the rest of the sentence aligns with the verb choice. Here are some examples:
Correct:
I know you are the one who does the work.
Correct:
From now on you are the one who will do the work.
These examples demonstrate that the choice is context-dependent, but the verb must agree with the subject 'you'. In a sentence like 'You are the one who will do the work', the future tense adds a nuance but does not change the rule of subject-verb agreement.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between 'who do the work' and 'who does the work' is determined by the number of the subject. It is 'who does the work' for singular subjects and 'who do the work' for plural subjects, with context influencing the specific phrasing.