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Old 15-Mar-2005, 10:12
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Default Re: Subject and Verb

Quote:
Originally Posted by jack
So is the referent 'supplies' or 'prices and supplies'? How do you know?
"and" conjoins both noun phrases, so the entire phrase functions as the referent.

1. On oil, Americans want low prices and secure supplies, which are inconsistent.

To divide the two, use a comma.

2. On oil, Americans want low prices, and secure supplies, which (by the way) are inconsistent.

But that's an odd reading, wouldn't you agree?
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