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Old 25-Nov-2006, 09:37
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Default Singular or plural?

Hi !

"Studying and listening to the music at the same time is/are not good for you"

my English teacher said "is" is correct,but I wonder why it's correct since the subject is plural,can you explain to me why?

thx in advance!
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Old 25-Nov-2006, 10:24
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Default Re: Singular or plural?

It's the combination of the two activities into a single thing that is not good- studying is good, but studying with music is not good. The subject is 'studying and listening to music at the same time'- all one subject.
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Old 25-Nov-2006, 21:19
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Default Re: Singular or plural?

Quote:
Originally Posted by hector51 View Post
Hi !

"Studying and listening to the music at the same time is/are not good for you"

my English teacher said "is" is correct,but I wonder why it's correct since the subject is plural,can you explain to me why?

thx in advance!
I agree with Tdol. If one uses a plural verb in that sentence it would mean that both activities are bad. That is obviously not the intended meaning.
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