Who was/were

[subhajit123]

Hi everyone, Can you please tell me 'was' or 'were': which one should I choose in the context?

Here is a homewok in my grammar book.

They were beating the boy for not following rules. (Make a question using 'who')

Ans- Who was/were beating the boy for not following rules?

was or were : Which one should I use with 'who' in the context?

I think I should use 'was' but I am not sure as it is referring to more than one person.

 

[Matthew Wai]

Did your teacher tell you to do the homework?

 

[subhajit123]

Did your teacher tell you to do the homework?

No, This question is in my grammar book. My teacher didn't tell me to do the homework.

:roll:

 

[Matthew Wai]

I agree with you that 'was' should be used. However, the following comment is worth your reference.
https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/...c-dictionary?p=1341783&viewfull=1#post1341783

 

[subhajit123]

I agree with you that 'was' should be used. However, the following comment is worth your reference.
https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/...c-dictionary?p=1341783&viewfull=1#post1341783

Can somebody please confirm it? :-D

 

[Matthew Wai]

The following statement can confirm it.

'The convention here is that in an interrogative sentence—one that asks a question—“who” (as well as “what”) is generally used with a singular verb, even when it’s understood that the pronoun refers to more than one person (or thing).'──quoted from https://www.grammarphobia.com/blog/2012/08/who-is-who-are.html

 

[emsr2d2]

That convention is right as long as the interrogative comes first. It doesn't necessarily work if the interrogative is being used to clarify something expressed in a preceding declarative sentence.

John: Who is complaining?
Sarah: They are!

John: They are complaining.
Sarah: Who are?

 

[Matthew Wai]

I think 'Who are?' means 'Who are they?' in this context.

 

[emsr2d2]

It could be used to mean "Who are 'they'?", in which the questioner wants the other person to identify who they mean by the word "they".

 

[Raymott]

"Ans- Who was/were beating the boy for not following rules?"

If that is the answer, then they are saying that either is acceptable. It would be different it if were a question.