#1  
Old 26-Feb-2008, 10:45
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Default is/are
What is/are needed is/are a pen and a pencil.

Which verbs should I use?

Many thanks.
  #2  
Old 26-Feb-2008, 11:22
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Default Re: is/are
Quote:
Originally Posted by kohyoongliat View Post
What is/are needed is/are a pen and a pencil.

Which verbs should I use?

Many thanks.

What is needed, is a pen and a pencil.

What are needed, are pens and pencils.
  #3  
Old 08-Mar-2008, 15:53
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Default Re: is/are
Quote:
Originally Posted by shalstudent View Post
What is needed, is a pen and a pencil.

What are needed, are pens and pencils.
Hi Teacher

As Shalstudent is not a teacher, could one of the teacher members from the forum confirm whether his/her answer is correct?

Many thanks.
  #4  
Old 09-Mar-2008, 06:33
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Default Re: is/are
Quote:
Originally Posted by kohyoongliat View Post
What is/are needed is/are a pen and a pencil.

Which verbs should I use? I would say, 'What is needed are a pen and a pencil.' That seems and sounds right, because I think "What" is an 'it'. (but I am also going to ask 'my' grammar expert if he agrees)

Checking google, there is almost a 4:1 preponderance of "What is needed are..." over "What are needed are...".
Many thanks.
2006
  #5  
Old 09-Mar-2008, 07:09
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Default Re: is/are
The grammar expert agrees with "What is needed are a pen and a pencil."
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