"Only half of the people has a sense of humor." vs "Only half of the people have a sense of humor."

Question

"Only half of the people has a sense of humor." vs "Only half of the people have a sense of humor."

The correct phrase is: 'only half of the people have a sense of humor.' 'Have' is the correct verb to use with 'half' because 'half' is considered plural in this context. 'Has' would be incorrect as it is singular.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

Use 'have' when referring to 'half of the people' because 'half' is considered plural in this context.

Examples:

Only half of the people have a sense of humor.
Only half of the people have arrived.
Only half of the people have completed the task.
Only half of the people have left the building.
Only half of the people have paid for their tickets.

Answer 1

Only half of the people has a sense of humor.

This phrase is incorrect. 'Has' is singular and does not agree with the plural subject 'half of the people.'

Answer 2

Only half of the people have a sense of humor.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"Only half of the people has a sense of humor." vs "Only half of the people have a sense of humor."

Only half of the people has a sense of humor.

Only half of the people have a sense of humor.

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