Question

The apples smell/smells rotten

Answer 1

Answer:

The apples smell rotten.

Explanation:

Here apples are present in large number so we use singular verb.

Answer 2

THE APPLES SMELL ROTTEN.

Explanation:

• Usually when we talk about a plural noun we use plural verbs but when we talk about plural nouns referring to amounts/quantities we will use singular verbs.
• The plural nouns end with s/es and so does plural verbs.
• Here apples refer to a quantity of apples, therefore we will use smell instead of smells.
• The correct sentence will be "THE APPLES SMELL ROTTEN".