[Grammar] Are vs is

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l2yjtxkb

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Hello,
If we can choose only one option from the 2 mutually exclusive options, then are we allowed to use 'are'?
e.g.
You can become a king only if being crowned or crowning on your own are possible.
 

Raymott

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That's acceptable (to me). You could also say, "You can become a king only if either being crowned or crowning on your own is possible."
"... only if X or Y is possible" is probably the most correct.
"... only if one of either X or Y is possible."

Your sentence sounds OK probably because they're not mutually exclusive. Both could be possible.
"... only if either X or Y, or both, are possible."

 

Tdol

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I'd use crowning yourself rather than crowning on your own.
 

Raymott

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Nor did I, so I ignored it.
 
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