Learn English – “one of those men who doesn’t” vs. “one of those men who don’t”

relative-clausessingular-vs-plural

Which is the correct form:

  1. one of those men who doesn't
  2. one of those men who don't

I searched in Google Books and found 9 results for doesn't and 5 results for don't. Maybe both options are acceptable? If yes, is there a difference in meaning?

Examples:

“Perhaps Dr.Winter is one of those men who doesn't believe females should be exposed to the unpleasantness of illness,” Dr. Hubbell suggested acerbically. (Victoria Thompson)

… now and then, a story that would frighten you to death if you were one of those men who don't know how to smile in time. (Joseph Conrad)

Best Answer

Dr. Winter is one of those men who doesn't believe females should be exposed to the unpleasantness of illness.

In my opinion, the verb should be plural here, and the reason for that is that "who don't believe ..." defines "those men".

Here, it is not important that he is one of some men, but that he is among those who don't believe does matter.

The question could be:

One of which men is Dr. Winter? Of those who believe or don't believe …?

And the answer would be:

He's one of those who don't believe ...

At the same time, this link shows that the use of verb in singular—although less common— is also possible, but this seems to be due to the authors' preferences sooner than their applying a certain grammar rule.

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