Determining the subject of a sentence

[sandrapinkoski]

Greetings to all grammar gurus,

I need to know what the subject of the sentence below is. Is it "the sixties" or is it "time"? The reason I need to know is to determine if the word "were" is correct or should I use the word "was"?

Here's the difficult sentence:

The sixties were a very interesting time to live in Asia.

Help! I'm ready for the home for the bewildered on this one.

I would appreciate assistance on this puzzler . . . :?:

Sandra

 

[Anglika]

When was it interesting to live in Asia?

The 1960s were interesting times/The 1960s was an interesting time.

The problem with the verb is whether "the sixties" or "the 1960s" are being regarded as the decade, which is singular, or referring to individual years, which are plural. Either is possible and acceptable.

 

[sandrapinkoski]

Thank you, Anglika. Your response does clear up this question for me. I'm editing this author's chapter today and I needed a quick response. I appreciate your super fast and articulate answer! :up:

 

[Anglika]

You are most welcome;-)