is/are

[kohyoongliat]

What is/are needed is/are a pen and a pencil.

Which verbs should I use?

Many thanks.

[shalstudent]

Originally Posted by kohyoongliat

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.

[kohyoongliat]

Originally Posted by shalstudent

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.

[2006]

Originally Posted by kohyoongliat

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

[2006]

The grammar expert agrees with "What is needed are a pen and a pencil."