Peace and Quiet is or are?

[edmondng]

Dear Experts

I need advice on the use of 'is' or 'are' after 'peace and quiet', such as the sentences shown below:

#1
Peace and quiet is a must-have for writers.

#2
Peace and quiet are must-haves for writers.


I understand under normal circumstances, 'and' being plural should go with 'are', but in this case, it just doesn't seem quite right.

Your advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[David L.]

A serene atmosphere is a must for writers.

Substitute 'peace and quiet' as an entity in place of 'serene' and:

Peace and quiet is a must for writers.

We are lumping the two together as a 'state' of our surroundings.

But similarly, we could regard the two terms individually:

Mr. Ishac acknowledged that peace and quiet are relative concepts in New York

For many people it seems peace and quiet are a luxury

Peace and quiet are apparently essential to some patients' recovery

Peace and quiet are at a premium in our hectic world.

[rj1948]

Dear Experts

I need advice on the use of 'is' or 'are' after 'peace and quiet', such as the sentences shown below:

#1
Peace and quiet is a must-have for writers.

#2
Peace and quiet are must-haves for writers.


I understand under normal circumstances, 'and' being plural should go with 'are', but in this case, it just doesn't seem quite right.

Your advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

If two subjects together express one idea, the verb may in the singular.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Bread and milk is his only food.
The horse and carriage is at the door.
'Peace and quiet' expresses one idea-peaceful ambience.
Why not singular?
Peace and quiet is a must-have for writers.Fine for me.
Regards,
rj1948.