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Thread: is/are

  1. 26-Feb-2008, 10:45 #1
    kohyoongliat
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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. 26-Feb-2008, 11:22 #2
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    shalstudent
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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. 08-Mar-2008, 15:53 #3
    kohyoongliat
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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. 09-Mar-2008, 06:33 #4
    2006
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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. 09-Mar-2008, 07:09 #5
    2006
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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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