Grammar question

[chanbr]

Hi all:

In regard to the following sentence, is the verb "come" correct? Or should it be "comes" since the noun next to it is singular? Is "clothing of the operator" a singular noun?

If the hands or clothing of the operator come into contact with the acid . . .

[5jj]

I think that few native speakers would worry about this, and would consider that sentence acceptable. If somebody were really bothered, they might change it to: If the clothing or hands of the operator come into contact with the acid .

That sounds far better to me than: If the clothing or hands of the operator comes into contact with the acid .

[TheParser]

[QUOTE=chanbr;812679]


NOT A TEACHER


(1) An excellent teacher has given us the answer.

(2) There is, however, a rule that some people try to follow:

When a singular subject and a plural subject are joined by or or nor, the

verb agrees with the nearer subject:

Neither their brother nor the girls want to go.

Either his assistants or the cook himself is at fault.

Source: Warriner's English Grammar and Composition.

(3) Therefore, if you wish to follow the rule, then I believe that you are 100% correct:

If the hands or clothing of the operator comes into contact with ....

P.S. Many books agree, however, that following the rule can often result in "awkward"

(not nice-sounding) sentences, so those books recommend rewriting the sentences in

such cases.

[5jj]

Many books agree, however, that following the rule can often result in "awkward"(not nice-sounding) sentences, so those books recommend rewriting the sentences in such cases.

Exactly