"one third do" vs "one third does"

Question

"one third do" vs "one third does"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'One third does' is correct when referring to a singular subject, while 'one third do' is correct when referring to a plural subject. It's important to match the verb with the subject in terms of singular or plural form.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

Use 'one third do' when the subject is plural, such as 'one third of the students do not understand the assignment.'

Examples:

One third of the apples do not look ripe.
One third of the team do not agree on the strategy.

Alternatives:

One third of them do
One third of the books do

Use 'one third does' when the subject is singular, such as 'one third of the cake does not have icing.'

Examples:

One third of the population does not have access to clean water.
One third of the money does not belong to me.

Alternatives:

One third of it does
One third of the group does

Answer 1

one third do

This phrase is correct when referring to a plural subject.

Answer 2

one third does

This phrase is correct when referring to a singular subject.

"one third do" vs "one third does"

one third do

one third does

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